allium

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noun al·li·um \ˈa-lē-əm\

Definition of allium

: any of a large genus (Allium) of bulbous herbs of the lily family including the onion, garlic, chive, leek, and shallot

Recent Examples of allium from the Web

Millennial Pink) at weddings this year, this colorful array of peonies, snapdragons, alliums and dahlias is a refreshing change from the recent norm.

— lyndsey matthews, Country Living, "This Wedding Aisle is Over-the-Top in The Best Way Possible," 5 July 2017
Garnishes To counteract all the rich, hearty flavors, a little sharpness in the form of an allium is necessary.

— special to the washington post, The Denver Post, "Frito Pie: From halftime to restaurant menus," 13 June 2017
Garnishes To counteract all the rich, hearty flavors, a little sharpness in the form of an allium is necessary.

— special to the washington post, The Denver Post, "Frito Pie: From halftime to restaurant menus," 13 June 2017
The borders are a mix of perennials; bulbs; small shrubs; and vines, including allium, clematis, peonies, lilies, delphinium, hosta and poppies.

— valerie easton, The Seattle Times, "A Maury Island hillside garden was a lot of work to create, and it’s a lot of work to tour," 17 May 2017
Some of the recipes use alliums in supporting roles, such as the leeks that team up with fresh dill and feta in a creamy spring tart.

— gretchen mckay, sacbee.com, "New cookbook ‘Onions Etcetera’ elevates the humble vegetable," 9 May 2017
Steak tartare, though, is slightly overthought, mixed with so many alliums that the flavor of the beef recedes.

— pete wells, New York Times, "What a Difference Daytime Makes at Sadelle’s in SoHo," 5 Jan. 2016

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'allium.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of allium

New Latin, genus name, from Latin, garlic

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1600

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

allium

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noun al·li·um \ˈal-ē-əm\

Medical Definition of allium

1 capitalized : a genus of bulbous herbs (as an onion, garlic, or leek) of the lily family distinguished by a characteristic odor, sheathing, mostly basal leaves, and clusters of usually white, blue, purple, pink, or red flowers
2a: a plant of the genus Alliumb: the bulb of garlic formerly used in medicine especially as an expectorant and rubefacient