asparagus

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

|Updated on: 11 Jun 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

Arrange the asparagus on top, alternating tips and ends, and sprinkle with more salt and pepper.

— claudia catalano, BostonGlobe.com, "Recipe: For this tart, top a rectangle of flaky pastry with goat cheese and asparagus spears," 28 May 2018
For the record, the kids’ favorite was the tempura asparagus.

— anna thomas bates, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Fresh asparagus is even better with hot bacon dressing," 16 May 2018
Prep your ingredients: Hard boil your eggs, peel the shells, chop the tarragon and blanch the asparagus in salted water until tender. 2.

— Cincinnati.com, "This egg salad sandwich is better than yours," 10 May 2018
Any left over asparagus can be thrown into an impromptu omelette made with free-range eggs and garden herbs.

— Time, "Weekend Recipe: An Asparagus Salad That Will Wow Dinner Guests," 26 Apr. 2018
Seasonal vegetables, from asparagus to broccoli and squash, can be used in soups.

— martina schimitschek, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Food challenge: Find what's good for them, and tastes good to them," 25 Apr. 2018
Mix in peanuts and coconut and spoon over asparagus.

— claire saffitz, Bon Appetit, "Blistered Asparagus," 23 Apr. 2018
The recipe says to reserve the cooking water from the asparagus...but doesn't say what to do with it.

— philip potempa, Post-Tribune, "Mailbag answers to readers' questions shared with Benny Family update," 23 Mar. 2018
Trim the hard ends from the asparagus and get a bowl of ice water ready.

— nancy miller, The Courier-Journal, "He never gets tired of the Hot Brown, but chef at The Brown Hotel is always looking ahead," 20 Mar. 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

in the meaning defined above

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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