asparagus

noun as·par·a·gus \ ə-ˈsper-ə-gəs , -ˈspa-rə- \

Updated on: 17 Apr 2018

Definition of asparagus

plural asparagus

: any of a genus (Asparagus) of Old World perennial plants of the lily family 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

See asparagus defined for English-language learners

See asparagus defined for kids

Recent Examples of asparagus from the Web

And more than 80% of pineapples, papayas, asparagus, onions and cabbages tested negative for pesticide residues.

— susan scutti, CNN, "Strawberries again top 2018's 'Dirty Dozen' fruits and veggies," 10 Apr. 2018
That day this included fat spears of asparagus ($14) cooked on embers and seasoned with a vinaigrette made from the juices of Indian-style pickles.

— michael bauer, San Francisco Chronicle, "Charter Oak evolves into a Napa dining destination," 28 Mar. 2018
For veggies like broccoli and asparagus, cut them first into bite-size pieces, then give them a quick blanch in boiling water before cooling and freezing.

— justin ward, San Antonio Express-News, "What to do with the season’s bounty of strawberries," 27 Mar. 2018
In a large stainless-steel bowl, place asparagus, drizzle with oil and toss lightly to coat.

— anne schamberg, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Not a peep of stress: A foolishly simple menu for an April 1 Easter," 20 Mar. 2018
Greater availability has led to a huge increase in per-capita consumption of many crops, including mangoes (up 1,850 percent from 1975 to 2016), limes, avocados, grapes, asparagus, artichokes and squash.

— david karp, New York Times, "Most of America’s Fruit Is Now Imported. Is That a Bad Thing?," 13 Mar. 2018
The best prebiotic foods are chicory, garlic, leeks, onions, asparagus, banana and artichoke.

— sheah rarback, miamiherald, "How to stay healthy: Eat well, sleep well and keep moving | Miami Herald," 5 Mar. 2018
Cook asparagus, in batches, until crisp-tender, 3 to 4 minutes.

— beth lipton, Country Living, "Asparagus, Snap Pea, and Radish Salad," 2 Mar. 2018
One exception are leeks and asparagus, which can be stored upright, with the cut end submerged in about an inch of water.

— aliza abarbanel, Bon Appetit, "How to Store Vegetables in the Fridge so They Stay Super Fresh," 20 Feb. 2018

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

Illustration of asparagus

Origin and Etymology of asparagus

New Latin, genus name, from Latin, asparagus plant, from Greek asparagos; perhaps akin to Greek spargan to swell

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First Known Use: 1543

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ASPARAGUS Defined for English Language Learners

asparagus

noun

Definition of asparagus for English Language Learners

: a plant with long green stems and tiny leaves at one end that is cooked and eaten as a vegetable

ASPARAGUS Defined for Kids

asparagus

noun as·par·a·gus \ ə-ˈsper-ə-gəs \

Definition of asparagus for Students

: a vegetable that is the young shoots of a garden plant related to the lilies that lives for many years

History for asparagus

The word asparagus is borrowed from the ancient Greeks' name for the plant, asparagos, which could also just refer to the young shoot of any plant. This word is probably related to a Greek verb spharageitai, meaning “it's full to bursting,” which might describe a fast-growing plant shoot. But to English speakers the word has sometimes seemed odd and a little difficult to say. In the American countryside people have turned asparagus into “aspergrass” or “aspirin grass” or—the most popular—“sparrow grass.” These expressions are easier to say and tickle our sense of humor a bit.

Medical Dictionary

asparagus

noun as·par·a·gus \ ə-ˈspar-ə-gəs \

medical Definition of asparagus

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; especially : a plant (A. officinalis) widely cultivated for its tender edible young shoots

b : the root of cultivated asparagus formerly used as a diuretic