Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Asparagus
As-par′a-gus
(ăs-păr′ȧ-gŭs)
, Noun.
[L., fr. Gr.
ἀσπάραγος
, ἀσφάραγος
; cf. σπαργᾶν
to swell with sap or juice, and Zend çparegha
prong, sprout, Pers. asparag
, Lith. spurgas
sprout, Skr. sphurj
to swell. Perh. the Greek borrowed from the Persian. Cf. Sparrowgrass
.] 1.
(Bot.)
A genus of perennial plants belonging to the natural order
Liliaceæ
, and having erect much branched stems, and very slender branchlets which are sometimes mistaken for leaves. Asparagus racemosus
is a shrubby climbing plant with fragrant flowers. Specifically: The Asparagus officinalis
, a species cultivated in gardens. 2.
The young and tender shoots of
Asparagus officinalis
, which form a valuable and well-known article of food. ☞ This word was formerly pronounced
sparrowgrass
; but this pronunciation is now confined exclusively to uneducated people. Asparagus beetle
(Zool.)
, a small beetle (
Crioceris asparagi
) injurious to asparagus.Webster 1828 Edition
Asparagus
ASPAR'AGUS
,Noun.
Asparagus, sperage, vulgarly, sparrow-grass; a genus of plants. That which is cultivated in gardens, has an upright herbaceous stalk, bristly leaves, and equal stipulas. The roots have a bitterish mucilaginous taste; and the stalk is, in some degree, aperient and deobstruent, but not very efficacious.