lettuce

Definition

An edible plant, Lactuca sativa and its close relatives, having a head of green or purple leaves.

Etymology

From Middle English letuse, of uncertain precise origin, probably from the plural form Old French laitues, derived from Latin lactūca (“lettuce”), from lac (“milk”), because of the milky fluid in its stalks. Replaced Old English lēahtric. (money): Likely from the green color of US banknotes.

Example Sentences

• "I’ll have a ham sandwich with lettuce and tomato."
• "To steady himself he counts the money left in his wallet. Seventy-three; today was payday. Fingering so much lettuce strengthens his nerves."
• "Twenty dollars an hour? That's a lot of lettuce!"

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