Definition

1. Noun:
   • A starchy tuber: A yam is the edible, tuberous root of various tropical climbing plants of the genus Dioscorea, cultivated worldwide for food.
   • A sweet potato: In North America, the term "yam" is often used colloquially to refer to a variety of sweet potato with moist, orange flesh.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • Yams are a staple food in many tropical regions.
  • For dinner, we had roasted yam with herbs.
  • (In North American usage) The recipe calls for a can of yams, which are actually a type of sweet potato.

Advanced Usage

• "True yam": Used to specify the tuber from the genus, distinguishing it from the sweet potato.
  • The African market sells true yams, which are drier and starchier than sweet potatoes.

Variants and Related Words

• Yam plant (n): The tropical vine that produces yams.
  • The yam plant is a vigorous climber.

Synonyms

• Tuber: A general term for a thickened, underground plant stem.
• (In specific contexts) Sweet potato: Especially in North American informal usage.

Different Meanings

• Botanical Meaning: Refers specifically to the edible root of plants in the genus.
• Colloquial Meaning (primarily US): Commonly refers to a soft, orange-fleshed sweet potato.

Noun

1. edible tuberous root of various yam plants of the genus Dioscorea grown in the tropics world-wide for food
2. sweet potato with deep orange flesh that remains moist when baked
3. any of a number of tropical vines of the genus Dioscorea many having edible tuberous roots
4. edible tuber of any of several yams