: the edible starchy tuberous root of various plants (genus Dioscorea of the family Dioscoreaceae) used as a staple food in tropical areas
also: a plant producing yams
2
: a moist usually orange-fleshed sweet potato
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the WebArriving at your seat, you’ll be greeted by four cold hors d’oeuvres representing life’s four flavors: Sour (black beans and vinegar), Sweet (sliced yam), Bitter (bitter gourd) and Spicy (fried anchovies). Tori Latham, Robb Report, 30 Aug. 2022 Made with a combination of real purple yam and coconut cream, this jam is meant to be dolloped over your toast, pancakes, ice cream, and halo-halo.Bon Appétit, 31 July 2022 Grace and Frankie build a business based on vaginal dryness (treated by Frankie’s yam lube) and the painful relationship between arthritis and masturbation (solved by an ergonomically correct vibrator).Los Angeles Times, 5 May 2022 Glucomannan is a water-soluble fiber from the elephant yam plant. Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 22 June 2022 And, near Costa Rica, additional tubers, such as cassava and taro roots, are added aside from the yam. Antonia Mufarech, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 June 2022 The stews are served with rice except for egusi, which is served with fufu, or pounded yam. Carol Deptolla, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 19 Apr. 2022 Located in a Salt Lake City area strip mall, this market sells ingredients for favorite African and Caribbean meals, from fresh yam tubers and bitter leaves to dehydrated cod and smoked shrimp. Stefene Russell, The Salt Lake Tribune, 13 Feb. 2022 At the East Bay’s new Cafe 86, nearly everything is flavored with ube, the Filipino purple yam. Janelle Bitker, San Francisco Chronicle, 31 Jan. 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
earlier iname, from Portuguese inhame & Spanish ñame, of African origin; akin to Fulani nyami to eat