Definition

Noun: 1. A variety of celery (Apium graveolens var. rapaceum) cultivated for its large, edible, knobby root. This is the primary meaning, referring to the plant itself. 2. The thickened, edible, aromatic root of this plant. This refers specifically to the part of the plant that is consumed.

Usage

Celeriac is used as a singular, countable noun to refer to the specific plant or its root vegetable. It is less common than standard celery and is prized for its distinct flavor.

Examples

• Noun:
  • I bought a celeriac at the farmer's market to make a remoulade. (Here, 'celeriac' refers to the whole root vegetable.)
  • The recipe calls for one pound of peeled and diced celeriac. (Here, 'celeriac' refers to the prepared edible part of the root.)
  • Celeriac is also known as celery root or turnip-rooted celery.

Advanced Usage

• Culinary Context: In professional and home cooking, 'celeriac' is often used to specify this particular ingredient, distinguishing it from common stalk celery. It is typically used in soups, stews, mashes, and salads.
  • The chef pureed the celeriac to create a velvety soup base.

Variants and Related Words

• Celery root: A common alternative name for celeriac, emphasizing the edible part.
• Knob celery: Another less common name for the vegetable.
• Celery (): The related plant cultivated primarily for its crisp leafstalks.

Synonyms

• Celery root
• Knob celery
• Turnip-rooted celery

Notes on Meaning

The two definitions are intrinsically linked. The first definition (the plant) is defined by the second (its cultivated root). In most practical contexts, especially culinary, the word refers to the edible root itself.

Noun

1. thickened edible aromatic root of a variety of celery plant
2. grown for its thickened edible aromatic root