radishes

Noun

radish (countable and uncountable, plural radishes)

1. A plant of the Brassicaceae family, Raphanus sativus or Raphanus raphanistrum subsp. sativus, having an edible root.
   • Many times they ſow divers ſeeds in a Bed together, as Radiſhes and Carrots, that by ſuch time as the Carrots come up, the Radiſhes may be gone. Upon beds newly ſet with Licorice they ſow Onions or Radiſh, or Lettice if their Licorice plants or ground be but weak, ſo as not quickly to cauſe a...1659 (indicated as 1660), Robert Sharrock, “Of Propagation by Seed”, in The History of the Propagation & Improvement of Vegetables by the Concurrence of Art and Nature: …, Oxford: Printed by A....
2. The root of this plant used as food. Some varieties are pungent and usually eaten raw in salads, etc., while others have a milder taste and are cooked.
   • Fat people ſhould not eat freely of oily, nouriſhing diet. They ought frequently to eat radiſh, garlic, ſpices, or ſuch things as are heating, and promote perſpiration and urine.1791, Mary Cole, “[The Family Physician; or, The Country Lady’s Benevolent Employment.] General instructions, which will, if followed, infallibly prolong life.”, in […] The Lady’s Complete Guide; or...
3. (in-compounds) Some other root plant of genus Raphanus or family Brassicaceae.
   • rat-tail radish (Raphanus caudatus); wild radish (Raphanus raphanistrum)