Category:Yam

Yam, n. Etym: [pg. inhame, probably from some native name.] (bot.)

Defn: 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. 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.