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

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

The smell of barbecued artichokes wafts along a row of dozens of tractors parked in central Barcelona, as rock music blares out of speakers, and wine is poured into plastic cups.

From BBC

The salad called Verdant ate the same way, arguably too salty with Castelvetrano olives, artichoke and ranch dressing.

From Seattle Times