noun
or broc·o·li ˈbräkəlē, -li also -kl-
( -s )
Etymology: Italian broccoli, plural of broccolo flowering top of a cabbage or turnip, diminutive of brocco sprout, small nail, projecting tooth — more at brocade
1. : a cauliflower that is larger, hardier, and a better keeper than the common cauliflower — called also heading broccoli
2. : a branching cauliflower sometimes considered a separate variety ( Brassica oleracea italica ) that produces a head of functional florets at the end of each main branch which is cut for food while the florets are tight green or purplish buds and is usually succeeded by smaller heads on secondary branches — called also sprouting broccoli