comestible

Everyday

1. (formal or humorous) Comestibles are things to eat, food. tree →
2. (formal) Comestible means fit to be eaten: «comestible plants». tree →

In the lessons

A rare, very formal word. In stories it can sound funny or posh: a character offering «comestibles» instead of snacks. In formal writing it means edible. Pupils should usually say «food» or «edible».

Examples

• The butler laid out a table of comestibles. tree →
• Are these mushrooms comestible? tree →
• «Any comestibles in the fridge?» asked Dad in a posh voice. tree →
• The shop sold comestibles and drinks. tree →
• Not all wild berries are comestible. tree →
• The picnic basket was full of comestibles. tree →

Note

Very formal or jokey. Usually plural as a noun. Same meaning as «edible». Safety: never eat wild plants unless an adult knows they are safe.