brassica

noun

bras·​si·​ca ˈbra-si-kə 

: any of a large genus (Brassica) of Old World temperate-zone herbs (such as broccoli and cabbage) of the mustard family with cylindrical pods

Examples of brassica in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adding an annual application of compost to brassica beds helps to neutralize acidic soil and ensure your brassicas have plenty of nutrients to fuel their growth. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Feb. 2025

For questions on brassica pests or any other gardening questions, feel free to contact us, toll-free, at the UConn Home & Garden Education Center at [phone], visit our website at www.homegarden.cahnr.uconn.edu. —Dawn Pettinelli, Hartford Courant, 27 July 2024

As part of the brassica (aka cruciferous) vegetable family, broccoli is a cousin to cabbage, kale, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and romanesco. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 July 2024

Cauliflower This is another brassica to avoid when seeking out companion plants for your tomatoes. —Steve Bender, Southern Living, 2 May 2024

Since 2017, Max Morningstar of MX Morningstar Farm near Hudson, N.Y., has been steadily adding arrowhead cabbage to his brassica mix. —Kim Severson, New York Times, 10 Mar. 2024

Holes and ragged edges in brassica leaves are usually from snails, slugs or tiny green worms. —Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Jan. 2024

Now, my attention turns to a number of Asian brassica varieties. —Elizabeth Waddington, Treehugger, 11 Aug. 2023

In Conditioning Mist relies on key strengthening and conditioning ingredients, including hemisqualane derived from sugarcane to seal moisture in and prevent breakage and brassica seed polymer, which acts as a detangler. —Lauren Fischer, Peoplemag, 5 Jan. 2023

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, genus name, from Latin, cabbage

First Known Use

1727, in the meaning defined above