parsnip

American  

[pahr-snip] / ˈpɑr snɪp /

noun

1. a plant, Pastinaca sativa, cultivated varieties of which have a large, whitish, edible root.

2. the root of this plant.

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parsnip British  

/ ˈpɑːsnɪp /

noun

1. a strong-scented umbelliferous plant, Pastinaca sativa, cultivated for its long whitish root

2. the root of this plant, eaten as a vegetable

3. any of several similar plants, esp the cow parsnip

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Etymology

Origin of parsnip

1350–1400; earlier pars ( e ) nep, pass ( e ) nep, Middle English pas ( t ) nep ( e ) < Latin past ( ināca ) parsnip (derivative of pastinum forked dibble) + Middle English nep turnip; neep

Example Sentences

However, the humble but golden potato and parsnip have gone down in price, along with - if you have any room - Christmas pudding and mince pies.

From BBC

The cook had followed the recipe to perfection: chunks of tender stew meat simmered with onions, garlic, potatoes, parsnips, carrots, and tomatoes, seasoned with caraway and, of course, the paprika.

From Literature

Roots and vegetables are natural fits: turnips, parsnips, cauliflower, mushrooms, roasted eggplant, fennel, sunchokes.

From Salon

I keep this soup quite minimal, but if it's to your liking, throw in some carrots or parsnips or whatever you have on hand to round out the flavors all the more.

From Salon

While the cost of turkey and sprouts has driven down the cost of a Christmas dinner this year, what you pay for potatoes, carrots and parsnips has shot up.

From BBC