brassica

B3R1A1S1S1I1C3A1
UK, US/ˈbɹæs.ɪ.kə/

noun

Any of many plants of the genus Brassica, including cabbage, mustard and rapes

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Less commonScrabble 12

Meanings

nounbrassica (plural brassicas or brassicae)

plural brassicas · plural brassicae

  1. Any of many plants of the genus Brassica, including cabbage, mustard and rapes

    Selective weed control in onions, leeks, and some brassicae. Time of Application: Brassicae—two to four true leaves. Onions—after the crook stage. Leeks—after the crook stage, but before four leaves have developed.

    1959, Commercial Grower Handbook and Diary, page 93
    2 more examples

    The destruction of the roots of brassicae by the Cabbage Root Fly and the tunnels in carrots and onions caused by the larvae of the Carrot and Onion Flies respectively, usually followed by rotting of the affected plants, are very frequently observed, whereas in the past, measures for the control of these pests have been very inadequate. […] When visited on June 13 over 50 per cent. of the brassicae were attacked by cabbage root maggot and many had already been transplanted.

    1930, Welsh Journal of Agriculture, pages 296 and 340

    Some brassicae, particularly cauliflower, kale and swedes, may show symptoms similar to boron deficiency which are due to other causes. […] It has been found that seed dressings of molybdate are effective in overcoming molybdenum deficiency in peas and beans and it was suggested that a similar technique should also be tried with brassicae.

    1957, Technical Bulletin, pages 145 and 213

    Synonyms: crucifer

Synonyms & antonyms

nounAny of many plants of the genus Brassica, including cabbage, mustard and rapes

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Origin

  1. Proto-Indo-European*per-
  2. Proto-Indo-European*preh₂-
  3. Proto-Indo-European*préh₂i?
  4. Proto-Italic*prai
  5. Proto-Italic*prai-
  6. Latinprae-
  7. Proto-Indo-European*sek-
  8. Proto-Indo-European*sékh₁yeti
  9. Proto-Italic*sekaō
  10. Latinsecō
  11. Latinsecāre
  12. Latinpraesecāre?
  13. Latinbrassica
  14. Englishbrassica

Learned borrowing from Latin brassica.

Full word history & related roots →

Translations

French brassique
  • brassiqueany plant of the cabbage family
Greek κράμβη
  • κράμβη (krámvi)any plant of the cabbage family
Italian crucifera
  • cruciferaany plant of the cabbage family
Portuguese brássica
  • brássicaany plant of the cabbage family
Russian капу́ста
  • капу́ста (kapústa)any plant of the cabbage family
Cite this entry
APA

brassica. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/brassica

MLA

“brassica.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/brassica. Accessed November 4, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “brassica,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/brassica.

Source: brassica on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.