ˈyam, -aa(ə)m noun
( -s )
Etymology: earlier inany, iname, nname, from Portuguese inhame & Spanish ñame, of West African origin; probably akin to Fulani nyami to eat
1.
a. : the edible starchy tuberous root of various plants of the genus Dioscorea (as D. sativa or D. alata ) that largely replaces the potato as a staple food in tropical climates and is cooked in the same way but has coarser flesh
b. : a plant of the genus Dioscorea (as D. paniculata )
c. : any of several similar plants — usually used in combination
round yam
native yam
2.
a. Scotland : potato
b. : sweet potato ; especially : one with deep orange flesh that remains moist when baked