from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
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