brassica alba

2 definitions found

brassica alba - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Sinalbin \Sin*al"bin\, n. [From L. Sinapis + alba.] (Chem.)
     A glucoside found in the seeds of white mustard (Brassica alba
     , formerly Sinapis alba), and extracted as a white
     crystalline substance.
     [1913 Webster]

  Mustard \Mus"tard\, n. [OF. moustarde, F. moutarde, fr. L.
     mustum must, -- mustard was prepared for use by being mixed
     with must. See Must, n.]
     1. (Bot.) The name of several cruciferous plants of the genus
        Brassica (formerly Sinapis), as white mustard
        (Brassica alba), black mustard (Brassica Nigra),
        wild mustard or charlock (Brassica Sinapistrum).
        [1913 Webster]
  
     Note: There are also many herbs of the same family which are
           called mustard, and have more or less of the flavor of
           the true mustard; as, bowyer's mustard (Lepidium ruderale
           ); hedge mustard (Sisymbrium officinale);
           Mithridate mustard (Thlaspi arvense); tower mustard
           (Arabis perfoliata); treacle mustard (Erysimum cheiranthoides
           ).
           [1913 Webster]
  
     2. A powder or a paste made from the seeds of black or white
        mustard, used as a condiment and a rubefacient. Taken
        internally it is stimulant and diuretic, and in large
        doses is emetic.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     Mustard oil (Chem.), a substance obtained from mustard, as
        a transparent, volatile and intensely pungent oil. The
        name is also extended to a number of analogous compounds
        produced either naturally or artificially.
        [1913 Webster]