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asparagus
noun
as·par·a·gus
ə-ˈsper-ə-gəs
-ˈspa-rə-
plural asparagus
: any of a genus (Asparagus of the family Asparagaceae, the asparagus family) of Old World perennial plants having much-branched stems, minute scalelike leaves, and narrow usually filiform branchlets that function as leaves
especially
: one (A. officinalis) widely cultivated for its edible young shoots
Examples of asparagus in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Food Fast-growing asparagus once flourished on California farms.
—Cindy Carcamo, Los Angeles Times, 20 Nov. 2024
For the main course, guests have the choice of a 45-day dry-aged 14-ounce strip loin of beef, Atlantic salmon, sous-vide turkey breast, or asparagus and pea risotto.
—Marley Malenfant, Austin American-Statesman, 21 Nov. 2024
In The Road Less Eaten, Thomas tries the New York strip, which comes with a side of asparagus stuffed with goat cheese and fondant potatoes.
—The Editors, Outside Online, 1 Nov. 2024
Thin veggies like asparagus and cruciferous veggies like broccoli might be ready to pull.
—Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 28 Oct. 2024
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Word History
Etymology
New Latin, genus name, from Latin, asparagus plant, from Greek asparagos; perhaps akin to Greek spargan to swell
First Known Use
1543, in the meaning defined above
Articles Related to asparagus
Dictionary Entries Near asparagus
Cite this Entry
“Asparagus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/asparagus. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
asparagus
noun
as·par·a·gus
ə-ˈspar-ə-gəs
: a tall branching long-lived herb related to the lilies and widely grown for its thick edible young shoots
Medical Definition
asparagus
noun
as·par·a·gus
ə-ˈspar-ə-gəs
1
capitalized
: a genus of Old World perennial herbs (family Asparagaceae) having erect much-branched stems, minute scalelike leaves, and narrow filiform branchlets that function as leaves
2
a
: any plant of the genus Asparagus
especially
: a plant (A. officinalis) widely cultivated for its tender edible young shoots
b
: the root of cultivated asparagus formerly used as a diuretic
More from Merriam-Webster on asparagus
Nglish: Translation of asparagus for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about asparagus
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