Definition

1. Noun:
   • A root vegetable: A swede is the large, round, yellow-fleshed root of a specific plant (Brassica napus napobrassica), used as food. It is also known as a rutabaga, especially in North America.
   • A plant: A swede is the cruciferous plant that produces this large, edible yellow root.
   • A person from Sweden: A Swede is a native or inhabitant of the country Sweden.

Usage and Examples

• Noun (Vegetable):
  • We diced the swede and added it to the stew.
  • Mashed swede is a traditional side dish.
• Noun (Person):
  • He is a Swede living in London.
  • The Swedes are known for their design expertise.

Advanced Usage

• Capitalization: When referring to a person from Sweden, the word is always capitalized as "Swede". When referring to the vegetable, it is typically written in lowercase as "swede", though capitalization may occur at the start of a sentence.
  • A Swede introduced me to this recipe using swede.

Variants and Related Words

• Rutabaga (n): The North American term for the swede vegetable.
• Swedish (adj): Relating to Sweden or its people.
  • She speaks fluent Swedish.
• Neep (n, Scottish): A regional term, often for a swede/rutabaga or sometimes a turnip.

Synonyms

• Rutabaga: (for the vegetable).
• Swedish person: (for the inhabitant).

Notes on Different Meanings

• The primary distinction is between the common noun (the vegetable) and the proper noun (the nationality). Context always makes the meaning clear.
  • Vegetable Context: "Peel the swede before cooking."
  • Nationality Context: "My neighbor is a Swede."

Noun

1. the large yellow root of a rutabaga plant used as food
2. a cruciferous plant with a thick bulbous edible yellow root
3. a native or inhabitant of Sweden