Pastinaca
/ˌpæs.tɪˈnɑː.kə/noun
A genus of plants in the carrot family, including the parsnip and related species.
Did you know?Pastinaca is an ancient Latin plant name whose descendants spread through medieval botanical Latin, eventually helping name the humble parsnip in several European languages.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Latin
Latin
pastinaca
“A plant name, especially for the parsnip or a similar root vegetable”
Late Latin
Latin
pastinaca
“Used in botanical and agricultural contexts for the same plant”
Old French
Old French
pasnaie / pastenade
“A parsnip or similar root vegetable”
Middle English
English
parsnip
“A cultivated root vegetable with a pale, sweet taproot”
Modern English
English
pastinaca
“A scientific genus name for parsnips and related plants”