Definition

1. Noun:
   • Winged yam: A type of yam (a starchy tuber) characterized by having winged stems or petioles. Its scientific name is Dioscorea alata.
   • A type of edible tuber: Refers specifically to the edible root of this plant, used as a food source.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Khoai vạc là một loại củ có thể luộc hoặc nấu canh. (Winged yam is a type of tuber that can be boiled or used in soup.)
  • Bà tôi thường trồng khoai vạc trong vườn. (My grandmother often grows winged yam in the garden.)

Advanced Usage

• This term is considered a dialectal or regional word in Vietnamese. In standard contexts or other regions, the more common name for this plant is củ cái or củ từ.
  • Ở miền Trung, người ta gọi củ từ là khoai vạc. (In the Central region, people call củ từ 'khoai vạc'.)

Variants and Related Words

• Củ cái: Another common name for the same type of yam ().
• Củ từ: A general term for yam, often used interchangeably with and .
• Khoai: A general term for tuberous root vegetables like potatoes, yams, and sweet potatoes.
• Củ mỡ: Another variety of yam (), which is different from .

Synonyms

• Củ cái: (noun) The primary synonym, meaning the same type of yam.
• Củ từ: (noun) Yam, often used as a synonym in a broader sense.

Related Phrases

• Trồng khoai vạc: to grow winged yam.
  • Mùa này thích hợp để trồng khoai vạc. (This season is suitable for growing winged yam.)
• Thu hoạch khoai vạc: to harvest winged yam.
  • Sau sáu tháng có thể thu hoạch khoai vạc. (Winged yam can be harvested after six months.)

Notes on Meaning

• The term 'khoai vạc' is dialectal. Its usage is not universal across all Vietnamese-speaking regions. The core meaning refers to a specific, edible yam.
• In some contexts, it may simply be understood as a type of yam without distinguishing its specific botanical features.

1. Winged yam