1. Perennial Old World herb having rayed flower heads with blue florets cultivated for its root and its heads of crisp edible leaves used in salads
   "Succory, also called chicory, is often used as a coffee substitute";
   - succory, chicory plant, Cichorium intybus
    
2. Crisp spiky leaves with somewhat bitter taste
   "The salad was topped with chicory for added texture";
   - curly endive, frisée
    
3. The dried root of the chicory plant: used as a coffee substitute
   "He added chicory to his coffee for a unique flavour"; "Chicory root was popular during times of coffee shortages";
   - chicory root

Derived forms: chicories

Type of: herb, herbaceous plant, root, salad green, salad greens

Part of: Cichorium, genus Cichorium

Encyclopedia: Chicory