soybean

(noun) a source of oil; used for forage and soil improvement and as food. Synonyms: soy, soya bean.

(noun) erect bushy hairy annual herb having trifoliate leaves and purple to pink flowers; extensively cultivated for food and forage and soil improvement but especially for its nutritious oil-rich seeds; native to Asia. Synonyms: soy, soya, soya bean, soybean plant, soja, soja bean, Glycine max.

(noun) the most highly proteinaceous vegetable known; the fruit of the soybean plant is used in a variety of foods and as fodder (especially as a replacement for animal protein). Synonyms: soy, soya, soya bean.