asparagus Hear it!

asparagus definition

as·para·gus (ə spar′ə gəs, -sper′-)

noun

  1. any of a genus (Asparagus) of plants of the lily family, with small, scalelike leaves, many flat or needlelike branches, and whitish flowers, including several plants (asparagus ferns) having fleshy roots and fine fernlike leaves
  2. the tender shoots of one of these plants (A. officinalis), used as a vegetable

Etymology: ModL < L < Gr asparagos < IE base *sp(h)er(e)g-, to spring up, sprout > spring, spark

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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