yam

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun edible tuber of any of several yams
noun any of a number of tropical vines of the genus Dioscorea many having edible tuberous roots
noun sweet potato with deep orange flesh that remains moist when baked

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.

20 Yams, (six roasted, the rest raw.) — The Coral Island: A Tale of the Pacific Ocean, R. M. (Robert Michael) Ballantyne
20 Yams (six roasted, the rest raw). — The Coral Island, R. M. (Robert Michael) Ballantyne
'Curly is taking both tappa rolls and yams.' — Peter and Wendy, J. M. (James Matthew) Barrie

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