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Definition of cauliflower

cauliflower

/ˈkɑː.ləˌflaʊ.ɚ/
cau · li · flow · er
Plural:cauliflowers
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cauliflower Lexical Profile

• noun

1

The large, edible, compacted head of underdeveloped flowers of this plant, eaten cooked or raw as a vegetable.

Example

"She prepared a delicious vegetarian dish by roasting cauliflower with olive oil, garlic, and spices."

2

A widely cultivated plant of the cabbage family (Brassica oleracea), distinguished by a large, densely packed head of underdeveloped white flower buds.

Example

"The farmer harvested the cauliflower early in the morning before the summer heat could damage the crop."

• Nearby Words

caucus
caudex
cauldron
cauliflower
caulk
caulking
caura

Word Origin & Etymology

Late 16th century: from Italian 'cavolfiore' (cabbage flower), derived from 'cavolo' (cabbage) and 'fiore' (flower), subsequently altered in English by association with Latin 'caulis' (stem, cabbage).

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Cauliflower. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 6, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/cauliflower
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