ˈpärsnə̇p, ˈpȧs- noun
( -s )
Etymology: alteration of earlier pasneppe, from Middle English pasnepe, (influenced by Middle English nepe turnip) modification of Middle French pasnaie, from Latin pastinaca parsnip, carrot, from pastinum 2-pronged dibble — more at neep
1. : a European biennial herb ( Pastinaca sativa ) with large pinnate leaves and yellow flowers that is naturalized as a weed in No. America
2. : the long fusiform root of the parsnip that is somewhat poisonous in the wild state but made palatable and nutritious through cultivation and used for the table — usually used in plural
3. : any of several related or similar plants — used with a qualifier; see cow parsnip , meadow parsnip , sea parsnip , wild parsnip
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