ENGLISH
REFERENCE

cauliflower

n. C / U
A2 Elementary US //ˈkɑɫəˌfɫaʊɝ// UK //kˈɒlɪflˌaʊɐ// cau·li·flow·er

n. a large, round vegetable with a thick green stem and a white head made of small flower buds.

n. a cultivated variety of cabbage (Brassica oleracea) with a large, compact, edible head of undeveloped flower buds.


SIMPLE

I like to roast cauliflower with olive oil and salt.

CONTEXTUAL

The chef served a creamy soup made from roasted cauliflower and garlic.

COMPLEX

While traditionally boiled, cauliflower has gained popularity as a low-carbohydrate substitute for rice or pizza crust in modern health-conscious cooking.

Origin

From 16th century cole-florye, equivalent to cole (from Latin caulis) + flower, reformed to more closely match the Latin etymon. Cognate with French chou-fleur, Italian cavolfiore.

Usage

Uncountable when referring to the vegetable as food; countable when referring to the individual plant or head.

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