Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Yam
Yam
(yăm)
, Noun.
[Pg.
inhame
, probably from some native name.] 1.
(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. 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.Webster 1828 Edition
Yam
YAM
,Noun.