yam

[ yam ]

noun

1. the starchy, tuberous root of any of various climbing vines of the genus Dioscorea, cultivated for food in warm regions.
2. any of these plants.
3. the sweet potato.
4. Scot. potato ( def 1 ).

yam

/ jæm /

noun

1. any of various twining plants of the genus Dioscorea, of tropical and subtropical regions, cultivated for their edible tubers: family Dioscoreaceae
2. the starchy tuber of any of these plants, which is eaten as a vegetable
3. any of certain large varieties of sweet potato
4. a former Scot name for the (common) potato

Word History and Origins

Origin of yam¹

First recorded in 1580–90; compare Gullah nyam, Jamaican English nyaams, Sranan jamsi, from sources in one or more West African languages (compare Wolof nyam (nyam), Fulani nyami “to eat,” Twi εnãm “flesh”); earlier English forms, from Portuguese inhame or Spanish (i)ñame

Word History and Origins

Origin of yam¹

C17: from Portuguese inhame, ultimately of West African origin; compare Senegal nyami to eat

Example Sentences

The root grows similarly to potatoes, yams, or ginger by swelling underneath the earth to store nutrients for the following season.

From Eater

With the right setup, it’s possible to coax potatoes and their relatives, like yams, into sprouting both roots underwater and leaves in the air.

From Popular-Science

Following leads from other scientists, Syntex made a modified progesterone derived from the yam, one designed to survive the digestive tract and have more biological activity than progesterone.

From Science News

He called his college roommate, Sam Yam, who immediately got to coding; within months, their website, Patreon, was launched.

From The Daily Beast

The sorbet was tangy and was a tad tart while in the main course the pepper in the yam croquette brought it to life.

From The Daily Beast

But she didnae speak plain, ye maun understand; but yam-yammered, like a powny wi' the bit in its moo.

From Project Gutenberg

I carried a long stick, much longer than a waddy; perhaps it was a yam-stick—I cannot remember.

From Project Gutenberg

Taking a yam-stick as pointer, I would often draw roughly in the sand almost every animal in Nature.

From Project Gutenberg

It bears a long even-edged leaf about an inch wide; the taste somewhat resembled that of a yam.

From Project Gutenberg

Yams were in great abundance, very fine and large; one yam weighed above forty-five pounds.

From Project Gutenberg