elephant ear
noun
1
also elephant's ear
: any of several plants of the arum family with large heart- or arrow-shaped leaves: as
a
: taro
b
: any of a genus (Alocasia) of tropical Asian perennial herbs cultivated especially for their heavily veined ornamental leaves
2
US
: a thick, irregular disk of fried dough usually served with a topping (as powdered sugar)
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Also known as elephant ears, alocasias store water in their fleshy rhizomes and stems.
—
Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Jan. 2026
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Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Elephant ear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elephant%20ear. Accessed 25 Jan. 2026.
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