rhubarb

American  

[roo-bahrb] / ˈru bɑrb /

noun

1. any of several plants belonging to the genus Rheum, of the buckwheat family, as R. officinale, having a medicinal rhizome, and R. rhabarbarum, having edible leafstalks.

2. the rhizome of any medicinal species of this plant, forming a combined cathartic and astringent.

3. the edible, fleshy leafstalks of R. rhabarbarum, used in making pies, preserves, etc.

4. Slang. a quarrel or squabble.

---

rhubarb British  

/ ˈruːbɑːb /

noun

1. any of several temperate and subtropical plants of the polygonaceous genus Rheum , esp R. rhaponticum ( common garden rhubarb ), which has long green and red acid-tasting edible leafstalks, usually eaten sweetened and cooked

2. the leafstalks of this plant

3. a related plant, Rheum officinale , of central Asia, having a bitter-tasting underground stem that can be dried and used medicinally as a laxative or astringent

4. slang a heated discussion or quarrel

5. the noise made by actors to simulate conversation, esp by repeating the word rhubarb at random

---

verb

1. to simulate conversation, esp by repeating the word rhubarb at random

Usage

What is rhubarb? Rhubarb is a plant with edible leafstalks that are known for their use in making pies and preserves.This kind of rhubarb has a tart, tangy, sour flavor that’s often paired with sweet ingredients, such as in strawberry rhubarb pie.Rhubarb is also used as a slang term to refer to a fight or argument. This slang term is especially associated with baseball, as in The manager came out to argue the umpire’s call and it wasn’t long before it turned into a rhubarb with pointing and shouting. In the context of theater, the word rhubarb is used as a term for the noise made by actors to simulate conversation. For whatever reason, this is sometimes done by randomly repeating the word rhubarb. Rhubarb can also be used as a verb meaning to simulate conversation in this way.Example: Rhubarb has a very short growing season, so I like to use it in as many recipes as I can when it’s available.

Etymology

Origin of rhubarb

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English rubarb, reubarb, from Old French r(e)ubarbe, from Medieval Latin reubarbarum, from Greek rhéon bárbaron “foreign rhubarb”

Example Sentences

At Sainsbury's the range is similarly extensive with orange marmalade, salted caramel, carrot, cherry, rhubarb, ginger and cinnamon.

From BBC

"Go cut some rhubarb, Herb," said Mrs. Thatcher.

From Literature

Daddy kept a beautiful garden in her backyard, with rows of string beans, rhubarb, potatoes, onions, scallions, carrots, radishes, and beans.

From Literature

A spoonful of jam between the cream layers is never a bad idea — especially something tart, like sour cherry or rhubarb.

From Salon

"That's my secret to a long life: custard, custard, custard; rhubarb from the garden and custard," he said.

From BBC