artichoke

[ ahr-ti-chohk ]

noun

1. a tall, thistlelike composite plant, Cynara scolymus, native to the Mediterranean region, of which the numerous scalelike bracts and receptacle of the immature flower head are eaten as a vegetable.
2. the large, rounded, closed flower head itself.
3. Jerusalem artichoke.

artichoke

/ ˈɑːtɪˌtʃəʊk /

noun

1. Also calledglobe artichoke a thistle-like Eurasian plant, Cynara scolymus, cultivated for its large edible flower head containing many fleshy scalelike bracts: family Asteraceae (composites)
2. the unopened flower head of this plant, which can be cooked and eaten
3. See Jerusalem artichoke

Word History and Origins

Origin of artichoke¹

1525–35; < Upper Italian articiocco, variant (by dissimilation) of arciciocco, arcicioffo < *arcarcioffo < Old Spanish alcarchofa < dialectal Arabic al-kharshūf the artichoke

Word History and Origins

Origin of artichoke¹

C16: from Italian articiocco, from Old Spanish alcarchofa, from Arabic al-kharshūf

Example Sentences

Almost all the plants in their garden are California natives, except for the plants producing food, such as their giant artichoke bush, or flowers for bouquets.

From Los Angeles Times

Additionally, it can be found in beans, artichokes, and sweet potatoes, and in fermented foods such as sourdough bread, as well as miso, kimchi, and sauerkraut.

From Science Daily

It comes down to the two main ingredients: oysters and artichokes pairing so exceptionally well.

From Salon

What to do if you have marinated artichokes on hand instead of plain?

From Salon

Aside from a weekend breakfast that might include Eggs Benedict, it is just the thing to accompany fresh steamed artichokes, asparagus or shrimp.

From Salon