The Collaborative International Dictionary
Beta Cicla
Beet \Beet\ (b[=e]t), n. [AS. bete, from L. beta.]
(Bot.) A biennial plant of the genus Beta, which produces an edible root the first year and seed the second year.
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The root of plants of the genus Beta, different species and varieties of which are used for the table, for feeding stock, or in making sugar.
Note: There are many varieties of the common beet ( Beta vulgaris). The Old ``white beet'', cultivated for its edible leafstalks, is a distinct species ( Beta Cicla).