cucumber

noun

1. (countable, uncountable)A vine in the gourd family, Cucumis sativus.

   “ASPARAGUS, cauliflowers, imperial Sileſia, royal and cabbage lettuces, burnet, purſlain, cucumbers, naſturtian flowers, peaſe and beans ſown in October, artichokes, ſcarlet ſtrawberries, and kidney beans.”

2. (countable, uncountable)The edible fruit of this plant, having a green rind and crisp white flesh.

   “[…]for it has been a common ſaying of phyſicians in England, that a cucumber ſhould be well ſliced, and dreſſed with pepper and vinegar, and then thrown out, as good for nothing.”

   “"Why, pepper and salt your reasons!" cried Curl, forgetting to look at the door for a moment: "your pamphlet has talent; but talent is like a cucumber, nothing without the dressing. You must be more personal."”

   “Probably on account of its phallic formation, the cucumber is often assumed to have aphrodisiac qualities.”

   “To the bowl, add cucumber, cabbage and carrot.”

3. (countable, figuratively, informal, uncountable)A person who is calm and self-possessed.

   “The guy's a real cucumber.”

   “That Wolf is one cool cucumber.”

   “"You're smart," says Irv, pointing at her and nodding his head. "A smart cucumber."”