Yam: meaning, definitions and examples

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yam

[jæm ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

food

An edible tuber native to Africa and Asia, which is starchy in nature and has a rough brown skin.

Synonyms

root vegetable, sweet potato, tuber.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
yam	Use 'yam' to describe a variety of edible tuberous root. They are more starchy and dry compared to sweet potatoes. Yams are commonly used in African, Caribbean, and Asian cuisines. Yam stew is a popular dish in many West African countries. They boiled the yam before mashing it.
sweet potato	Use 'sweet potato' to describe a root vegetable with a sweet taste and moist texture. They are often orange but can also be white, purple, or yellow and are popular in various global cuisines. Sweet potato fries are a healthier alternative to regular fries. For dessert, they baked a sweet potato pie.
tuber	A general term for the thickened part of an underground stem of a plant that stores nutrients. This term encompasses both edible and non-edible varieties, including potatoes and yams. The gardener explained that potatoes are a type of tuber. They excavated several types of tubers from the soil.
root vegetable	This term is generic and can describe a variety of underground plant parts that are consumed as vegetables, including carrots, beets, turnips, and sweet potatoes. Root vegetables like carrots and beets are essential in winter dishes. A healthy diet should include a variety of root vegetables.

Examples of usage

I enjoy eating roasted yams with my dinner.
Yams are a common ingredient in African cuisine.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

botany

A climbing plant with a large, sweet, orange or yellow-colored edible tuber.

Synonyms

Dioscorea, vegetable plant.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
yam	Duplicate entry, already covered in the initial explanation.
Dioscorea	Used in scientific, botanical, or agricultural contexts to specifically refer to the genus of tropical root vegetables. The Dioscorea genus includes many important food crops. Researchers are studying the growth patterns of Dioscorea species.
vegetable plant	This term is broader and less specific, used in gardening, farming, or general discussions about plants. It can refer to any plant cultivated for its edible parts. She has a variety of vegetable plants in her garden. The farm grows several vegetable plants, including yams and carrots.

Word

Description / Examples

yam

Duplicate entry, already covered in the initial explanation.

Dioscorea

Used in scientific, botanical, or agricultural contexts to specifically refer to the genus of tropical root vegetables.

The Dioscorea genus includes many important food crops.
Researchers are studying the growth patterns of Dioscorea species.

vegetable plant

This term is broader and less specific, used in gardening, farming, or general discussions about plants. It can refer to any plant cultivated for its edible parts.

She has a variety of vegetable plants in her garden.
The farm grows several vegetable plants, including yams and carrots.

Examples of usage

The yam plant produces tubers that are rich in nutrients.
Yams are cultivated in tropical regions around the world.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'yam' comes from the African word 'nyami,' which means 'to eat,' reflecting its role as a food source.
In the English-speaking world, 'yam' often refers to certain varieties of sweet potatoes, especially in the United States.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures in Africa, yams are a staple food and are often celebrated during harvest festivals.
The Yam Festival in Nigeria celebrates the new yam harvest, showcasing its importance in traditional diets and customs.

Nutrition

Yams are rich in vitamins C and B6, fiber, and potassium, making them a healthy addition to meals.
They have a high glycemic index, which means they can provide a quick source of energy.

Agriculture

Yams grow in warm climates and are typically planted during the rainy season; they take several months to mature.
The largest yam ever recorded was over 130 pounds, showcasing the immense potential size of these tubers.

Cuisine

In various cuisines, yams can be boiled, roasted, or fried and are often included in soups and stews.
In the Caribbean, yams are a common ingredient in dishes like yam and saltfish, highlighting their versatility.

Translations

Translations of the word "yam" in other languages:

🇵🇹 inhame

🇮🇳 रतालू

🇩🇪 Yamswurzel

🇮🇩 ubi jalar

🇺🇦 ямс

🇵🇱 pochrzyn

🇯🇵 ヤムイモ

🇫🇷 igname

🇪🇸 ñame

🇹🇷 yam

🇰🇷 얌

🇸🇦 اليام

🇨🇿 jam

🇸🇰 jam

🇨🇳 山药

🇸🇮 jam

🇮🇸 jam

🇰🇿 ямс

🇬🇪 იამი

🇦🇿 yam

🇲🇽 ñame

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,520, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

...
21517 flatten
21518 fumbling
21519 internalization
21520 yam
21521 reincarnation
21522 gregarious
21523 banal
...