asparagus

noun

as·​par·​a·​gus ə-ˈsper-ə-gəs 

-ˈspa-rə-

plural asparagus

: any of a genus (Asparagus of the family Asparagaceae, the asparagus family) of Old World perennial plants 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

Illustration of asparagus

Examples of asparagus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Dishes are seasonal and inventive, with ingredients either straight from their kitchen garden or from other parts of this bountiful state: expect seared tuna from Port Lincoln with chili and mandarin oil, and risotto with asparagus as green as those vineyards. —Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Dec. 2024

Prebiotics are a type of fiber found in foods such as garlic, onions, bananas, and asparagus that feed probiotics. —Christina Manian, Health, 26 Nov. 2024

Advertisement In the dense warren of stalls, the best-looking produce is displayed prominently: ripe bananas, glistening limes and orderly rows of broccoli and asparagus. —Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 26 Nov. 2024

Start with a hearty and creamy egg base and then combine hash browns, bacon, and asparagus in that trusty skillet. —Krissy Tiglias, Southern Living, 3 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, genus name, from Latin, asparagus plant, from Greek asparagos; perhaps akin to Greek spargan to swell

First Known Use

1543, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

asparagus

noun

as·​par·​a·​gus ə-ˈspar-ə-gəs 

: a tall branching long-lived herb related to the lilies and widely grown for its thick edible young shoots

Medical Definition

asparagus

noun

as·​par·​a·​gus ə-ˈspar-ə-gəs 

1

capitalized : a genus of Old World perennial herbs (family Asparagaceae) 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