yucca

noun yuc·ca \ ˈyə-kə \

Updated on: 16 May 2018

Definition of yucca

1 : any of a genus (Yucca) of sometimes arborescent plants of the agave family that occur in warm regions chiefly of western North America and have long sword-shaped often stiff fibrous-margined leaves on a usually woody base and bear a large panicle of white blossoms

2 : cassava

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Recent Examples of yucca from the Web

In some areas, graves without tombstones are surrounded by clusters of spiky yucca leaves, often used by African Americans to mark a burial spot, Romero said.

— melanie burney, Philly.com, "South Jersey cemetery for black Civil War veterans has fallen into disrepair; historic site is on endangered list," 4 May 2018
For more ambitious eaters, the menu includes a half dozen platos, or large plates, which range from yucca gnocchi with sauteed mushrooms ($22) to Puerto Rican plantain mash stuffed with garlic shrimp ($28).

— coco mccabe and doug stewart, BostonGlobe.com, "Casa B is a worthy find in Somerville’s Union Square," 21 Apr. 2018
The landscape lay dry and flat, nearly featureless but for low rabbitbrush and soapweed yucca.

— caroline lester, The Atlantic, "What Happens When Your Bomb-Defusing Robot Becomes a Weapon," 26 Apr. 2018
Or sauté some chopped kale with onions and garlic, and then take yuca and crush it in and make a hash of vegetables and yucca.

— benjy hansen-bundy, GQ, "The Best Breakfast You Can Make Looks a Lot Like Lunch," 19 Feb. 2018
Alas, a native of Venezuela, and Rodriguez, whose family is from the Dominican Republic, cook an almost entirely Latin American menu that includes fried yucca, plantains, pork pinchos and churros for dessert.

— NOLA.com, "Where to eat now in New Orleans: Carnival-time cravings," 7 Feb. 2018
Lighter green and purple prickly pears lay in clusters, alongside bursts of yucca every few steps.

— alli harvey, Anchorage Daily News, "A few days in the desert (with lots of sunscreen) is the perfect break from an Alaska winter," 22 Mar. 2018
Sides include Campero beans ($2.29), Campero rice ($2.29), black beans ($2.29), yucca fries, ($2.59), sweet plantains ($2.59), and corn salad ($2.59).

— stephanie schorow, BostonGlobe.com, "Fast becoming a fan of Pollo Campero fried chicken," 9 Mar. 2018
Color Guard Adam’s Needle This yucca’s 3-foot foliage is most vibrant in spring, fall and winter.

— debra lee baldwin, WSJ, "Succulents That Stun in the Snow: Start Planning Now," 9 Mar. 2018

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

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Origin and Etymology of yucca

New Latin, from Spanish yuca, of unknown origin

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1664

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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YUCCA Defined for English Language Learners

yucca

noun

Definition of yucca for English Language Learners

: a type of plant that grows in dry regions and has hard pointed leaves at the base and a long stem with white flowers

YUCCA Defined for Kids

yucca

noun yuc·ca \ ˈyə-kə \

Definition of yucca for Students

: a plant that grows in warm dry regions and has stiff pointed leaves at the base and a tall stiff stalk of usually whitish flowers

Learn More about yucca

See words that rhyme with yucca Spanish Central: Translation of yucca Nglish: Translation of yucca for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about yucca

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yucca

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yucca

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