What does vetch mean?
Vetch is a noun for plants in the legume family, particularly members of the genus Vicia. The best-known species is common vetch, or Vicia sativa, a climbing plant with purple flowers that has long been cultivated as a fodder crop. Farmers may grow vetch where other forage is scarce, and it is also used as a cover crop because its association with soil-fixing bacteria can benefit the ground. The seeds may be eaten by livestock, and the plants help protect the soil from erosion. Although the word is most common in agricultural, horticultural, and botanical contexts, it can describe any of several related vetch plants rather than only the familiar common vetch. Its unusual short name preserves a clear connection with the Latin name Vicia, which remains the scientific designation of the genus.
nounAny of various plants in the pea family, especially those in the genus Vicia. Common vetch (Vicia sativa), in particular, is cultivated as a forage and cover crop.
- Any of various leguminous plants, especially those of the genus Vicia.
- The common vetch (Vicia sativa) when cultivated as a fodder plant or cover crop.
"A field of vetch provided valuable winter forage for the sheep."
"A field of vetch provided excellent forage for the sheep."
"Common vetch was sown with the barley to improve the soil."
Vetch is commonly a mass noun when referring to the crop, but vetches is the standard plural when individual plants or different kinds are meant.
"Some vetches thrive in poor soil and provide useful forage."
Vetch names an entire plant genus, Vicia, within the same family as peas, beans, and lentils.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of vetch
The English word came through Middle English from Old French vesche, ultimately from Latin vicia. That Latin name survives in the botanical genus Vicia and also underlies related English scientific and chemical terms such as vicial and vicianin.
Related word forms
How vetch is actually used
Vetch is primarily a botanical and agricultural term. It is commonly treated as a mass noun when referring to the plant or crop collectively, while individual plants may be referred to as vetches.