Yăm, n.

n. [Fr. igname, Sp. ignama, igname, ñame, name, Pg. & N. Lat. inhame, West Indian ihame.] (Bot.) A large, esculent tuber or root of various climbing plants, of the genus Dioscorea, growing in tropical climates, and forming, when roasted or boiled, a wholesome, palatable, and nutritious food. The West Indian yam, the best known species, is D. alata.