Cole

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/koʊl/ (American English), /kəʊl/ (British English)

Definitions

• 1. A term used historically to refer to cabbage or other plants of the brassica family.
• 2. (Obsolete) A general term for any leafy vegetable.

Usage Examples

• He grew cole in his garden along with other vegetables.
• In medieval times, cole was a staple in many European diets.
• The old recipe book included instructions for preparing boiled cole.

Etymology

Derived from Old English "cāl," which comes from the Latin "caulis," meaning stem or stalk, often referring to cabbage and related plants.

Synonyms

• Cabbage
• Kale
• Brassica
• Greens

Antonyms

• Root vegetables
• Fruits

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In American English, "cole" is pronounced with a long "o" sound, whereas British English sometimes softens the vowel.

Historical Usage

The word "cole" was commonly used in Old English and Middle English literature to refer to cabbage and leafy greens. It was later replaced by more specific terms like "cabbage" and "kale."

Cultural Nuances

In some regions, "cole" is still used in historical contexts, particularly in references to "colewort" and traditional cooking methods.

More Information

The word "cole" survives in modern English in words like "coleslaw," which is derived from the Dutch "koolsla," meaning "cabbage salad."