wild yam

2 definitions found

wild yam - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Yam \Yam\ (y[a^]m), n. [Pg. inhame, probably from some native
     name.]
     1. (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 Dioscorea sativa,
        but several others are cultivated.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. (Bot.) Any one of several cultural varieties of the sweet
        potato. [U. S.]
        [Webster 1913 Suppl.]
  
     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.
            [1913 Webster]

wild yam - WordNet (r) 2.1 (2005) :

  wild yam
      n 1: having a rhizome formerly dried and used to treat
           rheumatism or liver disorders [syn: wild yam, Dioscorea paniculata
           ]