Yam
English Meaning
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 D. sativa, but several others are cultivated.
- Any of numerous chiefly tropical vines of the genus Dioscorea, many of which have edible tuberous roots.
- The starchy root of any of these plants, used in the tropics as food.
- Chiefly Southern U.S. See sweet potato. See Regional Note at goober.