broccoli

broc·co·li

noun \ˈbrä-kə-lē, ˈbrä-klē\

Definition of BROCCOLI

1

chiefly British : a large hardy cauliflower

2

a : either of two garden vegetable plants closely related to the cabbage: (1) : one with a thick central stem and a compact head of dense usually green florets that is classified with the cauliflower (2) : one (Brassica oleracea italica) with slender stems and usually green or purple florets not arranged in a central head b : the stems and immature florets of broccoli used as food

Origin of BROCCOLI

Italian, plural of broccolo flowering top of a cabbage, diminutive of brocco small nail, sprout

First Known Use: 1699

Other Food Terms

Reuben, calamari, chuck, curry, edamame, foie gras, hummus, leaven, nonpareil, peel