YAM • DICTIONARY ONE.COM • Definition of Yam

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noun

Yam n.

(Bot.) A large, esculent, farinaceous tuber of various climbing plants of the genus Dioscorea; also, the plants themselves. Mostly natives of warm climates. The plants have netted-veined, petioled leaves, and pods with three broad wings. The commonest species is Dioscorea sativa, but several others are cultivated.

(Bot.) Any one of several cultural varieties of the sweet potato. (U. S.)

Chinese yam, a plant (Dioscorea Batatas) with a long and slender tuber, hardier than most of the other species.

Wild yam.

(a)

A common plant (Dioscorea villosa) of the Eastern United States, having a hard and knotty rootstock.

(b)

An orchidaceous plant (Gastrodia sesamoides) of Australia and Tasmania.

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Etymology of 'Yam'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Yam" Quotes from Famous Books

... a trade, if possible, with the natives of Brierly Island, on which occasion 'Mr Brady took charge of the bartering, and drawing a number of lines upon the sandy beach, explained that when each was covered with a yam, he would give an axe in return. At first, some little difficulty occurred, as the yams were brought down very slowly—two or three at a time; but at length the first batch was completed, and the axe handed over. The man who got it had been trembling ...

— Chambers's Edinburgh Journal, No. 432 - Volume 17, New Series, April 10, 1852 • Various

Words linked to "Yam" : Chinese yam, wild yam, vine, genus Dioscorea, Dioscorea, white yam, Dioscorea batata, air potato, water yam, Dioscorea bulbifera, root vegetable, yam plant, elephant yam, Dioscorea alata, Dioscorea trifida, tuber, cush-cush, yam family, sweet potato