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Glite Dictionary
cruciferous plant

cruciferous plant

4.6
A plant like cabbage or broccoli that has four small flower petals
  • noun
  • /ˌkruːsɪˈfɪrəs plænt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : planta crucífera
  • Eating a cruciferous plant like broccoli can provide important nutrients and antioxidants.

Examples

  • Scientists have studied the cancer-fighting properties of many cruciferous plants.

  • Cabbage, kale, and cauliflower are all examples of a cruciferous plant.

  • A cruciferous plant like broccoli is rich in vitamins.

  • Many cruciferous plants are known for their cancer-fighting properties.

  • Eating a variety of cruciferous plants like broccoli and kale can boost your health.

  • Farmers grow many cruciferous plants, such as cabbage and cauliflower, for their nutritious benefits.

  • In her garden, she decided to plant cruciferous plants because they are rich in vitamins.

Synonyms

crucifer
vscruciferous plant
  • Specialized
2 7.8

A plant like cabbage, mustard, or broccoli

uses the modern family name and includes common vegetables

Surface Forms

cruciferous plant singular
cruciferous plants plural

Morphology

cruciferous + plant

The adjective 'cruciferous' directly describes a type of plant, so the phrase simply means 'a plant that is cruciferous / belonging to the Brassicaceae family.' This is a straightforward adjective + noun composition following common patterns, so a learner who knows both constituent meanings would readily infer the MWE meaning.

Etymology

Cruciferous plant comes from a Latin word that means 'cross' because the flowers often have four petals arranged like a small cross. That's why the name is used for vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli and mustard.