Definition

1. Noun:
   • A widely cultivated plant (Brassica rapa) having a large, fleshy, edible white or yellow root: This refers to the plant species itself, grown for its root vegetable.
   • The white root of a turnip plant: This refers specifically to the edible root portion of the plant, which is typically white or yellow.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Plant):

  • Farmers often plant white turnip in the cool season.
  • The field was full of white turnip, ready for harvest.

• Noun (Root Vegetable):

  • She added diced white turnip to the stew.
  • The recipe calls for one large white turnip, peeled and cubed.

Advanced Usage

• Culinary Context: "White turnip" is often specified in recipes to distinguish it from other root vegetables like rutabaga (Swede), which is typically larger and yellow-fleshed.
  • For an authentic flavor, use the traditional white turnip, not a rutabaga.

Variants and Related Words

• Turnip greens (n): The edible leaves of the turnip plant.

  • The white turnip is harvested for its root, while the turnip greens are also a nutritious vegetable.

• Turnip (n): A common shorter form for "white turnip," though it can sometimes refer to similar root vegetables in the Brassica family.

Synonyms

• Brassica rapa (n): The botanical name for the species.
• Garden turnip (n): Another common name for the plant and its root.

Related Phrases

• Turnip top (n): Another term for the young leaves and shoots of the turnip plant.
  • In some cuisines, turnip tops are cooked like spinach.

Related Idioms

• (as) easy as digging up a turnip: Used informally to suggest a task is very simple, referencing the ease of harvesting this root vegetable.
  • Fixing this should be as easy as digging up a white turnip.

Noun

1. white root of a turnip plant
2. widely cultivated plant having a large fleshy edible white or yellow root