cruciferous
|cru-ci-fer-ous|
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/ˌkruːˈsɪfərəs/
🇬🇧
/ˌkruːˈsɪf(ə)rəs/
cross-shaped; Brassicaceae
Etymology
'cruciferous' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'crucifer', where 'cruci-' meant 'cross' and '-fer' meant 'bearing', with the English adjective-forming suffix '-ous' added.
'cruciferous' changed from Latin 'crucifer' and the botanical New Latin/Modern Latin family name 'Cruciferae' into the English adjective 'cruciferous', arriving in modern English usage to describe the plant family.
Initially, it meant 'bearing a cross' in a literal sense, but over time it evolved into its current primary meaning of 'belonging to or characteristic of the Brassicaceae family (plants with cross-shaped flowers)'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
of or relating to the plant family Brassicaceae (formerly Cruciferae), characterized by four-petaled, cross-shaped flowers; describing vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, and mustard.
Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cabbage are high in vitamins and fiber.
Synonyms
Adjective 2
bearing or marked by a cross; cross-bearing (archaic or literal sense).
The ceremonial robe was decorated with a cruciferous emblem at the chest.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2026/01/15 19:48