The Collaborative International Dictionary
Yam \Yam\ (y[a^]m), n. [Pg. inhame, probably from some native name.]
(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.
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(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 common plant ( Dioscorea villosa) of the Eastern United States, having a hard and knotty rootstock.
An orchidaceous plant ( Gastrodia sesamoides) of Australia and Tasmania.
WordNet
n. having a rhizome formerly dried and used to treat rheumatism or liver disorders [syn: Dioscorea paniculata]
Wikipedia
Wild yam may refer to:
- Dioscorea dregeana in Africa
- Dioscorea villosa in North America
Usage examples of "wild yam".
The hogs grew fat on the long tubers of the wild yam, and the place was a paradise for the fowls, with neither bird nor beast of prey to molest them, and food everywhere to be had for the picking.
A wild yam insulted a kite, which seized it, flew up with it, and then let it drop.
Stead was entertaining his dinner companions with a wild yam about an Egyptian mummy that brought a curse upon anyone who owned it—.