okra

noun

1. (countable, uncountable)The edible immature mucilaginous seed pod (properly, capsule) of the Abelmoschus esculentus.

   “...as a food easy of digestion may well be admitted likewise the young Ocra an agreeable Food as well for the species as individual, dressed variously according to pleasure...”

   “Select young okra, wash thoroughly, remove the stems, and wipe the okra dry.”

   “Wash and dry okra, remove stems, and slice in one-inch rounds. (If using frozen okra, do not wash.) Heat two tablespoons oil in a heavy saucepan other than black iron. Saute okra in oil and vinegar, stirring often until ropiness is gone.”

   “I hated cooking okra because it was so slimy when you first start.”

2. (countable, uncountable)The flowering mallow plant Abelmoschus esculentus itself, now commonly grown in the tropics and warmer parts of the temperate zones.

   “Ocra, this has a round green stem, which rises straight up to ten or twelve foot high.”

   “Okra does not do well in tight, waterlogged soils, but will tolerate a soil pH range of from 6.0 to 7.5.”

   “We planted some truck crops like watermelons and okra, which was risky.”