turnip

Definition

The white root of a yellow-flowered plant, Brassica rapa, grown as a vegetable and as fodder for cattle.

Etymology

From Middle English turnepe, probably from turn + Middle English nepe, from Old English nǣp, from Latin nāpus. The component turn may be due to the round shape of the plant as though turned on a lathe, or because it must be turned and twisted to be harvested. Cognate to neep. See also parsnip.

Example Sentences

• "The ancient Roman gastronomists considered the turnip, when prepared in the following manner, a dish fit for epicures: "After boiling, extract the water from them, and season with cummin, rue, or benzoin, pounded in a mortar; afterward add honey, vinegar, gravy, and boiled grapes. Allow the whole to simmer, and serve.""
• "In general, beets, carrots, and turnips are all of aphrodisiac value in erotic dietary."
• "The turnip is one of the lordliest vegetables in the world; its broth is practically a soup in itself."

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