Dictionary

broccoli

noun broc·co·li \ˈbrä-kə-lē, ˈbrä-klē\

Definition of BROCCOLI

1
chiefly British :  a large hardy cauliflower
2
a :  either of two garden vegetable plants closely related to the cabbage: (1) :  one with a thick central stem and a compact head of dense usually green florets that is classified with the cauliflower (2) :  one (Brassica oleracea italica) with slender stems and usually green or purple florets not arranged in a central head
b :  the stems and immature florets of broccoli used as food
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Origin of BROCCOLI

Italian, plural of broccolo flowering top of a cabbage, diminutive of brocco small nail, sprout
First Known Use: 1699

Other Food Terms

Reuben, calamari, chuck, curry, edamame, foie gras, hummus, leaven, nonpareil, peel
BROCCOLI Defined for Kids

broccoli

noun broc·co·li \ˈbrä-kə-lē, ˈbrä-klē\

Definition of BROCCOLI for Kids

:  a vegetable that has green stalks and green or purplish clustered flower buds

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