ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ noun
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: participle modification, part translation of Dutch boekweit, from Middle Dutch boecweit (akin to Middle Low German bōkwēte ), from boec- (akin to Old High German buohha beech tree) + weit wheat; from the similarity of the seeds to beechnuts — more at beech
1. : an herb of the genus Fagopyrum, characterized by alternate hastate or cordate leaves and clusters of pink-tinged white dimorphous flowers rich in nectar ; especially : either of two species ( F. esculentum and F. tataricum ) long cultivated as cereal plants — see common buckwheat , tartarian buckwheat
2. : the triangular seed of buckwheat containing somewhat less protein than wheat and used as animal feed or cracked or ground for flour or cereal for human consumption
3. : wild buckwheat 2