Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

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.

   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.

   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}).