velvet bean

noun

1
: cowhage
especially : a cowhage (Mucuna pruriens) that is sometimes grown in the southern U.S. for green manure and grazing
2
: the seed of the velvet bean that is often used as feed for livestock (such as cattle and hogs)

Examples of velvet bean in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
An older study from 2009 showed that velvet bean extract improved hormone levels and increased sperm count and motility in infertile men.21 Yohimbe Extract Studies have shown that yohimbe extract or yohimbine has been shown to cause smooth muscle relaxation. Jessica Swirble, Verywell Health, 4 Apr. 2025 It's formulated with top notch ingredients including taurine, L-theanine, alpha GPC, huperzine A, velvet bean, and DHA. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 2 Nov. 2022 One approach that’s been especially fruitful for zeroing in on non-histamine itch is to poke people with tiny hairs (or spicules) from a tropical plant called cowhage, or velvet bean. Katherine Harmon Courage, Discover Magazine, 27 Nov. 2020 Neurohacker Collective Qualia Mind is loaded with premium ingredients like B vitamins, Bacopa monnieri, L-theanine, taurine, velvet bean extract, phosphatidylserine, ginkgo biloba, and others. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 1 Nov. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of velvet bean was in 1898

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Cite this Entry

“Velvet bean.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/velvet%20bean. Accessed 11 Apr. 2025.

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