Edit page | Page history | Printable version

Asparagus

1. (Science: botany) a genus of perennial plants belonging to the natural order liliaceae, 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 a. 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.

(Science: zoology) asparagus beetle, a small beetle (Crioceris asparagi) injurious to asparagus.

Origin: L, fr. Gr,; cf. To swell with sap or juice, and Zend paregha prong, sprout, Pers. Asparag, lith. Spurgas sprout, Skr. Sphurj to swell. Perh. The greek borrowed from the persian. Cf. Sparrowgrass.