Brassica \Bras"si*ca\, n. [L., cabbage.] (Bot.) A genus of plants embracing several species and varieties differing much in appearance and qualities: such as the common cabbage ({B. oleracea}), broccoli, cauliflowers, etc.; the wild turnip ({B. campestris}); the common turnip ({B. rapa}); the rape or coleseed ({B. napus}), etc.