arugula
arugula Lexical Profile
• noun
North American A pungent, leafy green plant of the mustard family (Brassicaceae) native to the Mediterranean region, widely cultivated and consumed as a culinary vegetable for its distinctive peppery flavor.
"She tossed the fresh arugula with cherry tomatoes, olive oil, and a splash of balsamic vinegar to make a light summer salad."
Word Nuance & Usage
In North American English, this leafy green is called 'arugula', whereas in British, Australian, and New Zealand English, it is commonly referred to as 'rocket'.
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed into American English in the 1960s from a northern Italian dialect word (such as Lombard 'arigola' or 'rucola'), ultimately derived from the Latin 'eruca', meaning a type of cabbage or caterpillar.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.