| n. | 1. | (Bot.) A large, esculent, farinaceous tuber of various climbing plants of the genus Dioscorea; also, the plants themselves. Mostly natives of warm climates. The plants have netted-veined, petioled leaves, and pods with three broad wings. The commonest species is Dioscorea sativa, but several others are cultivated. | |||||||||
| 2. | (Bot.) Any one of several cultural varieties of the sweet potato.
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| Noun | 1. | yam - edible tuber of any of several yams |
| 2. | yam - any of a number of tropical vines of the genus Dioscorea many having edible tuberous roots Synonyms: yam plant | |
| 3. | yam - sweet potato with deep orange flesh that remains moist when baked | |
| 4. | yam - edible tuberous root of various yam plants of the genus Dioscorea grown in the tropics world-wide for food |