Meanings
plural brassicas · plural brassicae
- 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 932 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 340Some 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 213Synonyms: crucifer
Synonyms & antonyms
nounAny of many plants of the genus Brassica, including cabbage, mustard and rapes
Origin
- Proto-Indo-European*per-
- Proto-Indo-European*preh₂-
- Proto-Indo-European*préh₂i?
- Proto-Italic*prai
- Proto-Italic*prai-
- Latinprae-
- Proto-Indo-European*sek-
- Proto-Indo-European*sékh₁yeti
- Proto-Italic*sekaō
- Latinsecō
- Latinsecāre
- Latinpraesecāre?
- Latinbrassica
- Englishbrassica
Learned borrowing from Latin brassica.
More words from Latin
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
brassica. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/brassica
“brassica.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/brassica. Accessed November 4, 2026.
WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “brassica,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/brassica.
Source: brassica on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.