cauliflower Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a plant having a large edible head of crowded white flower buds
    Brassica oleracea botrytis.
  2. noun compact head of white undeveloped flowers

WordNet

Cau"li*flow`er noun
Etymology
F. choufleur, modified by E. Cole. L. caulis, and by E. flower; F. chou cabbage is fr. L. caulis stalk, cabbage, and fleur flower is fr. L. flos flower. See Cole, and Flower.
Definitions
  1. (Bot.) An annual variety of Brassica oleracea, or cabbage of which the cluster of young flower stalks and buds is eaten as a vegetable.
  2. The edible head or "curd" of a caulifower plant.

Webster 1913