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onion
[C/U] Both
pl: onions
The word evokes a sensory experience of sharpness and intensity. It is closely tied to the biological reaction of tearing up during preparation, making it a symbol of hidden layers or emotional vulnerability in cultural contexts. In culinary terms, it is viewed as a foundational aromatic rather than a primary vegetable. It carries a connotation of versatility, shifting from a harsh, biting flavor when raw to a sweet, mellow profile when caramelized.
Countable when referring to the whole vegetable you buy at the store. Uncountable when referring to the ingredient as a mass of chopped pieces in a recipe.