turnip

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C1 — Advanced

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun widely cultivated plant having a large fleshy edible white or yellow root
  2. noun root of any of several members of the mustard family

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.

In classic literature

Synonyms

white turnip, Brassica rapa

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