Main Entry: as·par·a·gus

Pronunciation: \ə-ˈspar-ə-gəs\

Function: noun

1 capitalized : a genus of Old World perennial herbs of the lily family (Liliaceae) having erect much-branched stems, minute scalelike leaves, and narrow filiform branchlets that function as leaves
2 a : any plant of the genus Asparagus

[asparagus illustration]

; especially : a plant (A. officinalis) widely cultivated for its tender edible young shoots b : the root of cultivated asparagus formerly used as a diuretic