buckwheat

American  

[buhk-hweet, -weet] / ˈbʌkˌʰwit, -ˌwit /

noun

1. a plant, especially Fagopyrum esculentum, cultivated for its triangular seeds, which are used as a feed for animals or made into a flour for human consumption, as in pancakes or cereal.

2. the seeds of this plant.

3. Also buckwheat flour flour made from seeds of buckwheat.

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adjective

1. made with buckwheat flour.

   buckwheat pancakes.

buckwheat British  

/ ˈbʌkˌwiːt /

noun

1. any of several polygonaceous plants of the genus Fagopyrum , esp F. esculentum , which has fragrant white flowers and is cultivated, esp in the US, for its seeds

2. the edible seeds of this plant, ground into flour or used as animal fodder

3. the flour obtained from these seeds

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Other Word Forms

• buckwheatlike adjective

Etymology

Origin of buckwheat

1540–50; obsolete buck ( Old English bōc beech ) + wheat; compare Dutch boekweit, German Buchweizen; so called because its seeds resemble beechnuts

Example Sentences

Summer dormancy has turned the tall stalks of wand buckwheat brown and bare, except for tiny balls of pink flowers, but the plants should leaf out again in the spring.

From Los Angeles Times

Initially they thought they would focus on native succulents and cactus for their yard until they began noticing white sage, buckwheats and sagebrush when they went running in the Laguna Hills and Santa Ana Mountains.

From Los Angeles Times

Experts also suggested that allergic reaction warning labels should be added to foods containing pine nuts, buckwheat and sheep and goat's milk.

From BBC

There’s evidence that buckwheat and bush sunflower can take up lead, and saltbush can ensnare arsenic, Fang said, also name-checking corn, squash and cucumber for their ability to sequester contaminants such as dioxins.

From Los Angeles Times

Based on their frequency, severity, recurrence, and potential for hidden exposure, the top four new ones are goat's and sheep's milk, buckwheat, peas and lentil, and pine nuts.

From BBC