: any of a genus (Asparagus of the family Asparagaceae, the asparagus family) of Old World perennial plants having much-branched stems, minute scalelike leaves, and narrow usually filiform branchlets that function as leaves
especially: one (A. officinalis) widely cultivated for its edible young shoots
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This week, the pizzeria is phasing out springtime asparagus, introducing a juicy corn topping with poblano chile, red onion, cilantro, lime and three cheeses on one pie.—Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 30 May 2025 Add zest to gnocchi with lemon asparagus sauce, perfect for spring!—Mary Ann Esposito, Boston Herald, 28 May 2025 Visitors play games from the hit show such as magic asparagus, go inside the cardboard castle, zip down slides, have a dance party and even get a photo opportunity with Bluey and Bingo.—Nevin Martell, USA Today, 27 May 2025 Keep in mind, in the world of asparagus, thin and spindly is not always better than thick and chunky.—Catharine Kaufman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for asparagus
Word History
Etymology
New Latin, genus name, from Latin, asparagus plant, from Greek asparagos; perhaps akin to Greek spargan to swell
capitalized: a genus of Old World perennial herbs (family Asparagaceae) having erect much-branched stems, minute scalelike leaves, and narrow filiform branchlets that function as leaves
2
a
: any plant of the genus Asparagus
especially: a plant (A. officinalis) widely cultivated for its tender edible young shoots
b
: the root of cultivated asparagus formerly used as a diuretic
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