asparagus

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

|Updated on: 6 Aug 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

Line up the asparagus spears side by side, leaving a bit of space on all the outer edges.

— carole kotkin, miamiherald, "Puff pastry can be used in countless sweet and savory ways," 12 July 2018
Add the asparagus and cook for 3 minutes, or until tender.

— karoline boehm goodnick, BostonGlobe.com, "Recipe: Vietnamese summer rolls are flavorful, crunchy, and delicious with a soy dipping sauce," 25 June 2018
Add asparagus, carrots, mushrooms, and white parts of ramps.

— seamus mullen, Bon Appetit, "Poached Eggs in Chicken Broth with Mixed Vegetables," 25 June 2018
Add asparagus to the pan, season with another pinch of salt and some black pepper, and cook undisturbed for 3 minutes.

— ann maloney, NOLA.com, "The time is ripe for salad bowl dinners: Easy, fresh recipes," 8 May 2018
Top with the asparagus spears, then the fried eggs.

— jessica battilana, San Francisco Chronicle, "Repertoire: Asparagus With Walnut Crema and Fried Eggs," 2 May 2018
Heavy on produce like asparagus, arugula, and romaine hearts, this menu is both delicious and the dishes beautiful to behold.

— dave eckert, kansascity, "It's time for spring menus at some Kansas City restaurants | The Kansas City Star," 26 Apr. 2018
Add the asparagus, and turn the heat to medium-high.

— ellise pierce, star-telegram, "Take picnic food up a notch by adding Parisian flair | Fort Worth Star-Telegram," 25 Apr. 2018
Add the asparagus and cook until tender, about 4 to 6 minutes.

— judy buchenot, Naperville Sun, "Suburban Cooks: Recipe for food-producing garden," 20 Apr. 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