yam
1 synonyms and 0 antonyms for yam, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A starchy edible root grown as a staple food in tropical regions.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Etymology
Borrowed from Portuguese inhame and Spanish ñame, likely from Wolof ñàmbi (“cassava”) or a related word. The term was spelled yam as early as 1657.
Full origin of yam →Frequently asked questions
What does “yam” mean?
The word “yam” means a starchy edible root grown as a staple food in tropical regions. In plain terms, a starchy root vegetable, though what counts as a "yam" differs — true yams are a different plant from the sweet potatoes Americans often call yams.
How do you pronounce “yam”?
“Yam” is pronounced yam (/jæm/ in IPA).
How do you use “yam” in a sentence?
Here is “yam” used in a sentence: “Boiled yam is a common side dish in West African cooking.”
What part of speech is “yam”?
“Yam” is a noun.
How many meanings does “yam” have?
“Yam” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a starchy edible root grown as a staple food in tropical regions.