The DICT Development Group

  Beet \Beet\ (b[=e]t), n. [AS. bete, from L. beta.]
     1. (Bot.) A biennial plant of the genus Beta, which
        produces an edible root the first year and seed the second
        year.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. 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.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     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).
           [1913 Webster] Beete

  beet
      n 1: biennial Eurasian plant usually having a swollen edible
           root; widely cultivated as a food crop [syn: beet,
           common beet, Beta vulgaris]
      2: round red root vegetable [syn: beet, beetroot]