végétal

Végétal is a French term that translates to "plant" in English. It broadly refers to any organism belonging to the kingdom Plantae. This includes a vast diversity of life forms, from microscopic algae to giant trees, ferns, mosses, and flowering plants. Key characteristics of végétals typically include photosynthesis, the process by which they convert light energy into chemical energy using chlorophyll, their rigid cell walls made primarily of cellulose, and their general immobility. They play a fundamental role in ecosystems, producing oxygen, forming the base of many food chains, and influencing soil and climate. The study of végétals is known as botany. In a more figurative or culinary context, "végétal" can also refer to plant-based foods or diets, distinguishing them from animal-based products. This usage emphasizes the origin of the foodstuff.