Note: The origin and classification of many kinds are still
doubtful. Among true beans are: the black-eyed bean and
China bean, included in {Dolichos Sinensis}; black
Egyptian bean or hyacinth bean, {D. Lablab}; the common
haricot beans, kidney beans, string beans, and pole
beans, all included in {Phaseolus vulgaris}; the lower
bush bean, {Ph. vulgaris}, variety {nanus}; Lima bean,
{Ph. lunatus}; Spanish bean and scarlet runner, {Ph.
maltiflorus}; Windsor bean, the common bean of England,
{Faba vulgaris}. As an article of food beans are
classed with vegetables.
2. The popular name of other vegetable seeds or fruits, more
or less resembling true beans.
{Bean aphis} (Zo["o]l.), a plant louse ({Aphis fab[ae]})
which infests the bean plant.
{Bean fly} (Zo["o]l.), a fly found on bean flowers.
{Bean goose} (Zo["o]l.), a species of goose ({Anser
segetum}).
{Bean weevil} (Zo["o]l.), a small weevil that in the larval
state destroys beans. The American species in {Bruchus
fab[ae]}.
{Florida bean} (Bot.), the seed of {Mucuna urens}, a West
Indian plant. The seeds are washed up on the Florida
shore, and are often polished and made into ornaments.
{Ignatius bean}, or {St. Ignatius's bean} (Bot.), a species
of {Strychnos}.
{Navy bean}, the common dried white bean of commerce;
probably so called because an important article of food in
the navy.
{Pea bean}, a very small and highly esteemed variety of the
edible white bean; -- so called from its size.
{Sacred bean}. See under {Sacred}.
{Screw bean}. See under {Screw}.
{Sea bean}.
(a) Same as {Florida bean}.
(b) A red bean of unknown species used for ornament.
{Tonquin bean}, or {Tonka bean}, the fragrant seed of
{Dipteryx odorata}, a leguminous tree.
{Vanilla bean}. See under {Vanilla}.