noun

rape

rape, rapeseed

Rape is a very serious crime.

Rape is a very serious crime.

The fields were yellow with rape in the spring.

The fields were yellow with rape in the spring.

((uncountable)) the crime of rape The penalty for rape is severe.

((uncountable)) the plant rapeseed We drove past a field of rape.

crime: sexual assault, violation

The word for the crime is from Latin 'rapere' (to snatch, seize). The plant name is from Latin 'rapum' (turnip). They have different origins.

Context is key to understanding which 'rape' is meant. To avoid confusion, the plant is commonly called 'rapeseed' or 'canola'.

This page is designed for learning support. Please use it as a learning reference, not as a formal reference.