ETYM Old Eng. turnep; probably from turn, or French tour a turn, turning lathe + Old Eng. nepe a turnip, AS. naepe, Latin napus. Related to Turn, Navew.
1. Root of any of several members of the mustard family.
2. Widely cultivated plant having a large fleshy edible white or yellow root; SYN. white turnip, Brassica rapa.
Biennial plant Brassica rapa cultivated in temperate regions for its edible white- or yellow-fleshed root and the young leaves, which are used as a green vegetable. Closely allied to it is the rutabaga Brassica napus.