asparagus

[ uh-spar-uh-guhs ]

noun

1. any plant of the genus Asparagus, of the lily family, especially A. officianalis, cultivated for its edible shoots.
2. the shoots, eaten as a vegetable.

asparagus

/ əˈspærəɡəs /

noun

1. any Eurasian liliaceous plant of the genus Asparagus, esp the widely cultivated A. officinalis, having small scaly or needle-like leaves
2. the succulent young shoots of A. officinalis, which may be cooked and eaten
3. asparagus fern
   a fernlike species of asparagus, A. plumosus, native to southern Africa

Other Words From

• as·pa·rag·i·nous [as-p, uh, -, raj, -, uh, -n, uh, s], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of asparagus¹

before 1000; < Latin < Greek asp ( h ) áragos; replacing Old English sparagi (< Medieval Latin ) and later sperage, sparrowgrass

Word History and Origins

Origin of asparagus¹

C15: from Latin, from Greek asparagos, of obscure origin

Example Sentences

For curious readers, the press room spread included asparagus risotto, braised short rib, sliders and an array of sweets.

From Los Angeles Times

Most herbs and some leafy vegetables – like celery, spring onions and asparagus – can be kept with stems in water to keep them crisp.

From Salon

Big trucks are lining up waiting their turn while forklifts whiz around the loading dock, pulling pallets of donated asparagus, lettuce and strawberries off one truck or pushing boxes of purple potatoes, green beans and heirloom tomatoes onto another headed to needy clients later in the day.

From Los Angeles Times

You can make a savory crêpe with egg, cheese and asparagus and you can also make oven-baked buckwheat chips.

From Salon

The richest sources are beef liver, spinach, black-eyed peas, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, avocado and broccoli.

From Seattle Times