Dictionary
asparagus
noun as·par·a·gus \ə-ˈsper-ə-gəs, -ˈspa-rə-\
: a plant with long green stems and tiny leaves at one end that is cooked and eaten as a vegetable
plural as·par·a·gus
Full Definition of ASPARAGUS
: any of a genus (Asparagus) of Old World perennial plants of the lily family having much-branched stems, minute scalelike leaves, and narrow usually filiform branchlets that function as leaves; especially : one (A. officinalis) widely cultivated for its edible young shoots
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Origin of ASPARAGUS
New Latin, genus name, from Latin, asparagus plant, from Greek asparagos; perhaps akin to Greek spargan to swell
First Known Use: 1545
ASPARAGUS Defined for Kids
asparagus
noun as·par·a·gus \ə-ˈsper-ə-gəs\
Definition of ASPARAGUS for Kids
: a vegetable that is the young shoots of a garden plant related to the lilies that lives for many years
Word History of ASPARAGUS
The word asparagus is borrowed from the ancient Greeks' name for the plant, asparagos, which could also just refer to the young shoot of any plant. This word is probably related to a Greek verb spharageitai, meaning “it's full to bursting,” which might describe a fast-growing plant shoot. But to English speakers the word has sometimes seemed odd and a little difficult to say. In the American countryside people have turned asparagus into “aspergrass” or “aspirin grass” or—the most popular—“sparrow grass.” These expressions are easier to say and tickle our sense of humor a bit.
Medical Dictionary
asparagus
noun as·par·a·gus \ə-ˈspar-ə-gəs\
Medical Definition of ASPARAGUS
1
capitalized : a genus of Old World perennial herbs of the lily family (Liliaceae) having erect much-branched stems, minute scalelike leaves, and narrow filiform branchlets that function as leaves
2
a : any plant of the genus Asparagus; especially : a plant (A. officinalis) widely cultivated for its tender edible young shoots b : the root of cultivated asparagus formerly used as a diuretic
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