crucifer

noun

cru·​ci·​fer ˈkrü-sə-fər 

1

: one who carries a cross especially at the head of an ecclesiastical procession

2

: any of a family (Brassicaceae synonym Cruciferae) of plants including the cabbage, turnip, and mustard

cruciferous

krü-ˈsi-f(ə-)rəs 

adjective

Examples of crucifer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

His concern with arcane-seeming things, like where a crucifer stood, reflected his attention to the formal order of the ancient rites. —Eliza Griswold, The New Yorker, 30 June 2024

Cabbage is just the latest celebrity in a family of hardy crucifers that help chefs and diners through the colder months when local produce is scarce. —Kim Severson, New York Times, 10 Mar. 2024

These healthy cauliflower recipes make the most of our favorite crucifer. —Ali Francis, Bon Appétit, 6 Apr. 2021

Refresh the vegetable garden by sowing seeds of crucifers and lettuces. —Thad Orr, Sunset Magazine, 10 Feb. 2020

Then the procession begins to form, beginning with the crucifer and growing to include banner-carriers, flower girls, and first communicants. —Sarah Schutte, National Review, 22 June 2019

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin, from Latin cruc-, crux + -fer

First Known Use

1574, in the meaning defined at sense 1