Word Study
buckwheat
CIDE DICTIONARY
buckwheat, n. [Buck a beech tree + wheat; akin to D. boekweit, G. buchweizen.].
- A plant (
Fagopyrum esculentum ) of the Polygonum family, the seed of which is used for food. [1913 Webster] - The triangular seed used, when ground, for griddle cakes, etc. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
buckwheat, n. any cereal plant of the genus Fagopyrum, esp. F. esculentum with seeds used for fodder and for flour to make bread and pancakes.
Etymology
MDu. boecweite beech wheat, its grains being shaped like beechmast
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