asparagus

[uh-spar-uh-guhs]

noun

1. any plant of the genus Asparagus, of the lily family, especially A. officianalis, cultivated for its edible shoots.

2. the shoots, eaten as a vegetable.

asparagus

/ əˈspærəɡəs /

noun

1. any Eurasian liliaceous plant of the genus Asparagus, esp the widely cultivated A. officinalis, having small scaly or needle-like leaves

2. the succulent young shoots of A. officinalis, which may be cooked and eaten

3. a fernlike species of asparagus, A. plumosus, native to southern Africa

Other Word Forms

• asparaginous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of asparagus¹

before 1000; < Latin < Greek asp ( h ) áragos; replacing Old English sparagi (< Medieval Latin ) and later sperage, sparrowgrass

Word History and Origins

Origin of asparagus¹

C15: from Latin, from Greek asparagos, of obscure origin

Example Sentences

Corkscrew pasta with spring vegetables — peas, maybe some asparagus, curls of lemon zest — topped with herbed breadcrumbs and a horseradish cream sauce.

From Salon

Crunchy and smooth shrimp croquettes, bright and flaky Basque ham and asparagus tarts, briny confit tuna and conserved-tomato toast, crisp then juicy, and pistachio white chocolate mousse.

From Salon

Hollandaise isn’t just for asparagus and Eggs Benedict.

From Salon

And the next week, they come back like, “Yo, you got any more of that asparagus?”

From Salon

When it comes to preparing asparagus, Beitchman suggested using a knife when trimming the ends of each spear.

From Salon