Yam \Yam\ (y[a^]m), n. [Pg. inhame, probably from some native
name.]
(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 D. sativa, but several
others are cultivated.
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.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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