cruciferous
Americanadjective
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bearing a cross.
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Botany. belonging to the family Cruciferae (or Brassicaceae), the mustard family of plants; brassicaceous.
Are you getting enough broccoli, cauliflower, and other cruciferous vegetables in your diet?
adjective
Etymology
Origin of cruciferous
From Late Latin crucifer + -ous; cruciferous def. 1 was first recorded in 1650–60; cruciferous def. 2 in 1850–55; see origin at crucifer, -ous
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Rich dietary sources include eggs, poultry, fish, beans and cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower and brussels sprouts.
From Science Daily ● Nov. 27, 2025
The broccoli rabe was turned into a kind of cruciferous pesto.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 26, 2025
A recent scientific publication has come out noting that there is a relationship between the intake of cruciferous vegetables—a large group that includes everything from broccoli to bok choi—and a reduced risk of colon cancer.
From Slate ● Sep. 5, 2025
For some, the cruciferous vegetable has a certain old-world appeal, buoyed by economic practicality and nostalgia.
From Salon ● Apr. 28, 2024
Belongs to the cruciferous family, and—Hang the cruciferous family!
From The New Mistress A Tale by George Manville Fenn
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