agave

[ uh-gah-vee, uh-gey- ]

noun

1. any of numerous American plants belonging to the genus Agave, of the agave family, species of which are cultivated for economic or ornamental purposes: A. arizonica, of central Arizona, is an endangered species.

agave

/ ˈæɡeɪv; əˈɡeɪvɪ /

noun

1. any plant of the genus Agave , native to tropical America, with tall flower stalks rising from a massive, often armed, rosette of thick fleshy leaves: family Agavaceae. Some species are the source of fibres such as sisal or of alcoholic beverages such as pulque and tequila See also century plant

Word History and Origins

Origin of agave¹

< New Latin (Linnaeus) < Greek agauḗ, feminine of agauós noble, brilliant

Word History and Origins

Origin of agave¹

C18: New Latin, from Greek agauē , feminine of agauos illustrious, probably alluding to the height of the plant

Example Sentences

The traditionally Mexican distillate is derived from the agave plant, often using methods that have been honed across generations, with varieties that impart flavors ranging from smoky to earthy and acidic.

From Los Angeles Times

Poppi’s drinks contain apple cider vinegar, fruit juice and agave inulin, a prebiotic and natural sweetener extracted from the agave tequilana plant.

From Salon

Byron Jones, horticulturalist at Tacoma’s Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, grows a host of “unthirsty” botanical marvels in the Deserts and Baja Gardens, from sedum and cactuses to agaves and yuccas.

From Seattle Times

Its mezcal bar boasts more than 50 agave spirits along with snacks such as toasted grasshoppers, an Oaxacan delicacy.

From Seattle Times

It doesn’t have the draw of bigger towns in the region — such as Santiago Matatlán, known as the “world capital of mezcal” — that offer tourist packages combining mezcal-tasting with tours of the agave fields.

From Los Angeles Times