black mustard

American  

[blak muhs-terd] / ˈblæk ˈmʌs tərd /

noun

1. the cruciferous plant Brassica nigra, the seeds of which are ground into a pungent spice or used whole, as in Indian cuisine, and are a chief ingredient of many commercially prepared mustards: black mustard is sometimes mistakenly classified as Sinapis nigra, but it does not belong to same genus as white mustard (S. alba ).

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black mustard British  

noun

1. a Eurasian plant, Brassica (or Sinapsis ) nigra , with clusters of yellow flowers and pungent seeds from which the condiment mustard is made: family Brassicaceae (crucifers)

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Etymology

Origin of black mustard

First recorded in 1300–50

Example Sentences

It has also led to a destructive superbloom of black mustard, a fast-growing invasive plant that chokes out native vegetation relied on by native pollinators and, in turn, the birds that eat them.

From Salon • Jul. 20, 2023

Instead, he sees it as an opportunity to raise awareness about a destructive flower that proliferated in the state following an unusually wet winter: wild black mustard.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 15, 2023

There are also black mustard seeds, which have a distinctive sharp flavor.

From Washington Times • Jun. 2, 2023

Land managers and conservationists are worried that will happen this summer when those thickets of black mustard dry out.

From Los Angeles Times • May 10, 2023

Use one ounce black mustard seed, one ounce white mustard seed, one ounce celery seed, or one cup of finely minced celery, one half pint of olive oil, two onions chopped fine.

From Civic League Cook Book by