As nouns the difference between lam and yam
is that lam is used in the expression on the lam to mean that a person is fleeing law enforcement, possibly in hiding while yam is any climbing vine of the genus Dioscorea in the Eastern and Western hemispheres, usually cultivated.
As a verb lam
is to beat or thrash.
lam
English
Etymology 1
From (etyl) lemja.
Noun
(-)
Used in the expression on the lam to mean that a person is fleeing law enforcement, possibly in hiding.
Verb
To beat or thrash
Derived terms
* lambaste
Etymology 2
(etyl)
Noun
(
en noun)
The twenty-third letter of the Arabic alphabet, .
Anagrams
*
*
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yam
Etymology 1
From (etyl) inhame and (etyl) . The term was coined in .
Noun
(
en noun)
(botany) Any climbing vine of the genus Dioscorea in the Eastern and Western hemispheres, usually cultivated
The edible, starchy, tuberous root of that plant, a tropical staple food.
(US) A sweet potato; a tuber from the species Ipomoea batatas .
(Scotland) Potato.
Usage notes
Careful use distinguishes yams (genus Dioscorea'') from sweet potatoes (''Ipomoea batatas ), while casual American use conflates these.
Derived terms
* Chinese yam
* purple yam
* wild yam
* yamless
Etymology 2
Noun
(
en noun)
(West Cumbria) home.
Anagrams
*
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