turnip Hear it!

turnip definition

tur·nip (tʉr′nip)

noun

    1. a biennial plant (Brassica rapa) of the crucifer family, with edible, hairy leaves and a roundish, light-colored, fleshy root used as a vegetable
    2. rutabaga
  2. the root of either of these plants
  3. Slang a pocket watch

Etymology: earlier turnep, prob. < turn or Fr tour, in the sense of “turned, round” + ME nepe < OE næp, turnip < L napus

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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