broccoli, n. [It. broccoli, pl. of broccolo sprout, cabbage sprout, dim. of brocco splinter. See Broach, n.].
A plant of the Cabbage species (Brassica oleracea) of many varieties, resembling the cauliflower. The “curd,” or flowering head, is the part used for food. [1913 Webster]
broccoli, n.
1 a variety of cabbage, similar to the cauliflower, with a loose cluster of greenish flower buds.
2 the flower-stalk and head used as a vegetable.