rampion

American  

[ram-pee-uhn] / ˈræm pi ən /

noun

1. a European bellflower, Campanula rapunculus, of the bellflower family, having an edible white tuberous root used in Europe for salad.

2. any related plant of the genus Phyteuma, having heads or spikes of blue flowers.

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rampion British  

/ ˈræmpɪən /

noun

1. a campanulaceous plant, Campanula rapunculus , native to Europe and Asia, that has clusters of bluish flowers and an edible white tuberous root used in salads

2. any of several plants of the related genus Phyteuma that are native to Europe and Asia and have heads of blue flowers

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Etymology

Origin of rampion

First recorded in 1565–75; probably alteration of Middle French raiponce, from Italian raponzo, derivative of rapa “turnip”; see origin at rape ²)

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

rampion

ASPARAGUS.—The ancients called all the sprouts of young vegetables asparagus, whence the name, which is now limited to a particular species, embracing artichoke, alisander, asparagus, cardoon, rampion, and sea-kale.

From The Book of Household Management by Beeton, Mrs. (Isabella Mary)

If it is all as you say you may have as much rampion as you like, on one condition—the child that will come into the world must be given to me.

From Household Stories by the Brothers Grimm by Crane, Lucy

In the twilight of the evening, he clambered down over the wall into the garden of the enchantress, hastily clutched a handful of rampion, and took it to his wife.

From Household Tales by Brothers Grimm by Hunt, Margaret

Several unfamiliar species of orchis may be found and also the rare and beautiful rampion, "The Pride of Sussex."

From Seaward Sussex The South Downs from End to End by Holmes, Edric

"Ah," she replied, "if I can't get some of the rampion which is in the garden behind our house, to eat, I shall die."

From Grimm's Fairy Stories by Owen, R. Emmett (Robert Emmett)