Rabe
/ˈrɑːbi/noun
A leafy vegetable with small broccoli-like florets, commonly called broccoli rabe or rapini.
Did you know?Broccoli rabe is not actually a close relative of standard broccoli; its name reflects its historical connection with Italian rapa, meaning “turnip.”
Etymological Timeline
Classical Latin
Latin
rapa
“Turnip”
Medieval Latin
Latin
rapum
“Turnip or a similar root vegetable”
Medieval French
Old French
rave
“Turnip or radish-like root”
Modern Italian
Italian
rapa
“Turnip; related greens and root vegetables”
20th Century
American English
broccoli rabe
“A leafy vegetable with broccoli-like florets, borrowed through Italian culinary usage”
Modern English
English
rabe
“A shortened form of broccoli rabe”