Definition

1. Noun:
   • A vegetable belonging to the mustard family (Brassicaceae), characterized by four-petaled flowers that often resemble a cross. This group includes many common edible plants known for their nutritional value and sometimes pungent flavors.

Usage

• The term "cruciferous vegetable" is used as a countable noun to categorize a specific group of vegetables based on their botanical family. It is commonly used in nutritional, culinary, and botanical contexts.
• Example: "Nutritionists often recommend eating cruciferous vegetables for their health benefits."

Examples

• Noun:
  • Broccoli, cauliflower, and kale are all cruciferous vegetables.
  • She added several cruciferous vegetables to her shopping list.
  • The study focused on the antioxidant properties of cruciferous vegetables.

Advanced Usage

• "to be rich in cruciferous vegetables": Describes a diet high in this vegetable group.
  • His diet is rich in cruciferous vegetables like Brussels sprouts and cabbage.

Variants and Related Words

• Crucifer (n): Another term for a plant in the Brassicaceae family.
  • The garden was full of flowering crucifers.
• Brassicaceous (adj): Relating to or belonging to the Brassicaceae family.
  • The brassicaceous plants were identified by their distinctive flowers.

Synonyms

• Brassica vegetable: (Note: While many cruciferous vegetables are in the genus , this term is not entirely synonymous, as the family includes other genera.)
• Cole crop: A term used in agriculture for certain cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, kale, and broccoli.

Related Phrases

• Cruciferous vegetable family: Refers to the Brassicaceae family itself.
  • Many members of the cruciferous vegetable family contain glucosinolates.

Noun

1. a vegetable of the mustard family: especially mustard greens; various cabbages; broccoli; cauliflower; brussels sprouts