camass

or cam·as

[ kam-uhs ]

noun

1. any of several plants of the genus Camassia, of the lily family, especially C. quamash, of western North America, having long clusters of blue to white flowers and edible bulbs.
2. death camass.

camass

/ ˈkæmæs /

noun

1. Also calledquamash any of several North American plants of the liliaceous genus Camassia, esp C. quamash, which has a cluster of blue or white flowers and a sweet edible bulb
2. death camass
   any liliaceous plant of the genus Zygadenus (or Zigadenus ), of the western US, that is poisonous to livestock, esp sheep

Word History and Origins

Origin of camass¹

An Americanism dating back to 1795–1805; from Chinook Jargon qamaš, qawaš from Nuu-chah-nulth (Nootka) qawaš-, qawi- “salmonberry, any berry or small fruit”

Word History and Origins

Origin of camass¹

C19: from Chinook Jargon kamass, from Nootka chamas sweet

Example Sentences

Both the pion and the camass are largely utilized even at the present day for food by the Indians.

From Project Gutenberg

The Natives along the River now are generally employed curing salmon and collecting camass.

From Project Gutenberg

For "quamash" read "camass," an edible root much prized by the Nez Perces then and now.

From Project Gutenberg

They were cooked elaborately in pits, care being taken to avoid the poisonous bulbs of the Death Camass, which resemble them.

From Project Gutenberg

Camass, ka-mas′, n. a small plant growing in the north-western United States, also its nutritious bulb.

From Project Gutenberg