n. (Bot.) An Asiatic leguminous herb (Glycine max, formerly Glycine Soja) the seeds of which (called soy beans) are used in preparing the sauce called soy. Called also soya. [ 1913 Webster ]
(n) erect bushy hairy annual herb having trifoliate leaves and purple to pink flowers; extensively cultivated for food and forage and soil improvement but especially for its nutritious oil-rich seeds; native to Asia, Syn. soybean, soja, soybean plant, Glycine max, soya, soja bean, soya bean