ASPARAGUSES

Noun

asparaguses

plural of asparagus

Usage notes

More commonly the plural is asparagus.

Source: Wiktionary


ASPARAGUS

As*par"a*gus, n. Etym: [L., fr. Gr. prong, sprout, Pers. asparag, Lith. spurgas sprout, Skr. sphurj to swell. Perh. the Greek borrowed from the Persian. Cf. Sparrowgrass.]

1. (Bot.)

Definition: A genus of perennial plants belonging to the natural order Liliaceæ, and having erect much branched stems, and very slender branchlets which are sometimes mistaken for leaves. Asparagus racemosus is a shrubby climbing plant with fragrant flowers. Specifically: The Asparagus officinalis, a species cultivated in gardens.

2. The young and tender shoots of A. officinalis, which form a valuable and well-known article of food.

Note: This word was formerly pronounced sparrowgrass; but this pronunciation is now confined exclusively to uneducated people. Asparagus beetle (Zoöl.), a small beetle (Crioceris asparagi) injurious to asparagus.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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Word of the Day

12 January 2025

HABIT

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