: any of a genus (Rheum) of Asian plants of the buckwheat family having large leaves with thick petioles often used as food
also: the petioles of rhubarb
b
: the tart, succulent, usually pink or red petioles of rhubarb used especially in pies and preserves
2
: the dried rhizome and roots of any of various rhubarbs (such as Rheum officinale and R. palmatum) grown chiefly in temperate parts of China and used in folk medicine especially as a laxative, diuretic, and ulcer treatment
The coach got into a rhubarb with the umpire. a basketball coach whose ranting rhubarbs with officials are the stuff of legend
Recent Examples on the WebPink Rhubarb Lemonade Make the most of your Farmers' market haul by turning in-season rhubarb into one lip-smacking sipper! Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Aug. 2022 When the liquids are almost fully incorporated, add the rhubarb and fold gently.BostonGlobe.com, 7 June 2022 Oh, and don’t forget the rhubarb which may actually be past its prime. Jeff Lowenfels, Anchorage Daily News, 14 July 2022 Delicious Rhubarb & Rose Three Wick Candle by Molton Brown: As Molton Brown says, this candle is scented like a sweet-fruity swirl of Yorkshire rhubarb and vanilla. Felicity Carter, Forbes, 3 July 2022 Add the rhubarb and its juices to the pan, then pour in 3 Tbsp. Christian Reynoso, Bon Appétit, 26 May 2022 Here a person might find the Kurdish alchemilla, the Syrian rhubarb and the Iranian onion sharing a single clearing.New York Times, 20 Apr. 2022 This cake looks like a traditional birthday cake on the outside, but keeps things interesting with a strawberry-rhubarb filling. Olivia Muenter, Woman's Day, 14 Apr. 2022 Place the rhubarb, onion, figs, wine and sugar in a saucepan and simmer gently for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently.Star Tribune, 19 May 2021 See More
Word History
Etymology
Middle English rubarbe, from Anglo-French reubarbe, from Medieval Latin reubarbarum, alteration of rha barbarum, literally, barbarian rhubarb