cauliflower/ˈkɒl.i.flaʊ.ə/EtymologyFrom 16th century cole-florye, equivalent to cole (from Latin caulis) + flower, reformed to more closely match the Latin etymon. Cognate with French chou-fleur, Italian cavolfiore.cauliflower means Brassica oleracea var. botrytis, an annual variety of cabbage, of which the cluster of young flower stalks and buds is eaten as a vegetable. Lexicurio rates it Rare gem — a strength score of 74 out of 100.nounBrassica oleracea var. botrytis, an annual variety of cabbage, of which the cluster of young flower stalks and buds is eaten as a vegetable.“ASPARAGUS, cauliflowers, imperial Sileſia, royal and cabbage lettuces, burnet, purſlain, cucumbers, naſturtian flowers, peaſe and beans ſown in October, artichokes, ſcarlet ſtrawberries, and kidney beans.”The edible head or curd of a cauliflower plant.The swelling of a cauliflower ear.“His ears were small (fortunately so, given his dramatic hairstyle) and bore no traditional cauliflowers.”verbTo (cause to) swell up like a cauliflower ear.“I noticed his right ear was badly cauliflowered and that explained a number of things. It wasn't a new job of cauliflowering.”