any of a number of tropical vines of the genus Dioscorea many having edible tuberous roots
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sweet potato with deep orange flesh that remains moist when baked
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edible tuberous root of various yam plants of the genus Dioscorea grown in the tropics world-wide for food
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Yam \Yam\ (y[a^]m), n. [Pg. inhame, probably from some native name.] 1. (Bot.) A large, esculent, farinaceous tuber of various climbing plants of the genus {Dioscorea}; also, the plants themselves. Mostly natives of warm climates. The plants have netted-veined, petioled leaves, and pods with three broad wings. The commonest species is {Dioscorea sativa}, but several others are cultivated.
2. (Bot.) Any one of several cultural varieties of the sweet potato. [U. S.] [Webster 1913 Suppl.]
{Chinese yam}, a plant ({Dioscorea Batatas}) with a long and slender tuber, hardier than most of the other species.
{Wild yam}. (a) A common plant ({Dioscorea villosa}) of the Eastern United States, having a hard and knotty rootstock. (b) An orchidaceous plant ({Gastrodia sesamoides}) of Australia and Tasmania.
"Well, I don't know," he said. "But I'm yam proud to be here." A fire destroyed a plastics factory Saturday and injured at least 45 people, 20 of them critically, police said.