01 n. A large, esculent, farinaceous tuber of various climbing plants of the genus Dioscorea; also, the plants themselves. Mostly natives of warm…
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1.
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.)
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2.
Any one of several cultural varieties of the sweet potato.(Bot.) [U. S.]
Phrases & compounds
Chinese yam —
a plant (Dioscorea Batatas) with a long and slender tuber, hardier than most of the other species.
Wild yam —
A common plant (Dioscorea villosa) of the Eastern United States, having a hard and knotty rootstock.