As nouns the difference between yam and yamstick
is that yam is any climbing vine of the genus Dioscorea in the Eastern and Western hemispheres, usually cultivated while yamstick is a rod-shaped implement used by the aboriginal people of Australia to dig yam and as a combat weapon.
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
*
----
yamstick
English
Alternative forms
* yam-stick
* yam stick
Noun
(
en noun)
A rod-shaped implement used by the aboriginal people of Australia to dig yam and as a combat weapon.
- She thrust her yamstick into the hard ground to reach the prized tuber.
