Brussels sprouts are a vegetable that is often associated with winter and holiday meals. They are small, green, and resemble miniature cabbages. Despite their popularity, many people are unsure of what exactly a Brussels sprout is and where it comes from. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of Brussels sprouts, their origin, and their associations.
Definitions
A Brussels sprout is a small, leafy green vegetable that belongs to the Brassica family. It is a cultivar of the same species as cabbage and broccoli, and its scientific name is Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera. The Brussels sprout is named after the city of Brussels in Belgium, where it was first cultivated in the 16th century.
Origin
The Brussels sprout is thought to have originated in the Mediterranean region, and it was first cultivated in Belgium in the 16th century. It quickly became popular in other parts of Europe and eventually made its way to North America in the 19th century.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a Brussels sprout is “a small cabbage of a variety grown for its edible buds.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “a vegetable consisting of the small compact bud-like growths on the axillary shoots of the cabbage.”
Associations
Brussels sprouts are often associated with winter and holiday meals, particularly in the United States and the United Kingdom. They are a common side dish for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. In some cultures, Brussels sprouts are also associated with good luck and prosperity.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for Brussels sprouts include baby cabbages, miniature cabbages, and sprouts.
Antonyms
There are no specific antonyms for Brussels sprouts, but some people may consider them to be an acquired taste or dislike their flavor.
The same root words
The word “Brussels” in Brussels sprouts refers to the city of Brussels in Belgium, where the vegetable was first cultivated. The word “sprout” refers to the small, leafy growths that make up the vegetable.
Example Sentences
- I love Brussels sprouts with bacon and balsamic glaze.
- My grandmother always serves Brussels sprouts with her Thanksgiving turkey.
- Some people find the taste of Brussels sprouts too bitter.