Definition

Noun: - A vegetable consisting of the small, edible, cabbage-like buds that grow in multiple rows along the tall, thick stalk of a specific plant (Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera). They are typically harvested individually from the stalk and are known for their slightly bitter, nutty flavor.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:
  • We roasted the brussels sprouts with olive oil and garlic.
  • She bought a stalk of fresh brussels sprouts at the farmers' market.
  • Some people find brussels sprouts too bitter, but proper cooking can mellow the flavor.

Advanced Usage

• The term is almost always used in the plural form "brussels sprouts," even when referring to a single bud from the stalk. For example: "I ate three brussels sprouts."
• The plant itself is called a "brussels sprout plant."

Variants and Related Words

• Brussels sprout (singular noun): Can refer to a single bud from the plant or, less commonly, the plant variety itself.
  • One brussels sprout fell off the stalk.

Synonyms

• There are no direct single-word synonyms. Descriptive phrases include "mini cabbages" (informal) or the botanical name " gemmifera."

Notes on Meaning

• The word "Brussels" is capitalized as it denotes the city of Brussels, Belgium, where this vegetable is believed to have been widely cultivated.
• It is a specific variety of cabbage, distinct from regular head cabbage or other leafy greens like kale.

Noun

1. the small edible cabbage-like buds growing along a stalk of the brussels sprout plant