As-păr'a-gŭs, n.

n. [Lat. asparagus, Gr. ἀσπάραγος, ἀσφάραγος, from ἀ (equiv. to ἀν for ἀνά, up) and σπαργᾶν, to swell with sap or juice.] (Bot.) A genus of perennial plants belonging to the nat. ord. Liliaceæ; specifically, the Asparagus officinalis, a species cultivated in gardens for the sake of the young and tender shoots, which form a valuable and well-known article of food.

☞ This word was formerly pronounced sparrow-grass; but this pronunciation is now confined exclusive-to uneducated people.