1. Edible tuberous root of various yam plants of the genus Dioscorea grown in the tropics world-wide for food
   "The African dish featured mashed yam as the main starch"
    
2. Edible tuber of any of several yams
   "She prepared mashed yams as a side dish for Thanksgiving"
    
3. Any of a number of tropical vines of the genus Dioscorea many having edible tuberous roots
   "Farmers cultivated yam plants for their nutritious tubers";
   - yam plant
    
4. [N. Amer] Sweet potato with deep orange flesh that remains moist when baked
   "The roasted yams were glazed with maple syrup"

Derived forms: yams

Type of: root vegetable, sweet potato, tuber, vine

Part of: Dioscorea, genus Dioscorea

Encyclopedia: Yam, Razavi Khorasan