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salsify

noun sal·si·fy \ ˈsal-sə-fē , -ˌfī \

Definition of salsify

plural salsifies

: a European biennial composite herb (Tragopogon porrifolius) with a long fusiform edible root — called also oyster plant, vegetable oyster

Recent Examples of salsify from the Web

Also blinis with caviar, made to order on a spirit stove, salad of salsify and chopped egg, custard tart, Billecart-Salmon rosé.

— john lanchester, The New Yorker, "Signal," 26 Mar. 2017

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

Origin and Etymology of salsify

French salsifis, from Italian salsefica, sassefrica

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: circa 1706

in the meaning defined above

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