As·par·a·gus n.
1. Bot. A genus of perennial plants belonging to the natural order Liliaceæ, 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 Asparagus officinalis, which form a valuable and well-known article of food.
Note: ☞ This word was formerly pronounced sparrowgrass; but this pronunciation is now confined exclusively to uneducated people.
Asparagus beetle Zool., a small beetle (Crioceris asparagi) injurious to asparagus.
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