A yam is a starchy root vegetable with thick skin that can be white, yellow, or purple inside, often cooked by boiling, baking, or frying. It is a major food in many tropical countries.
“Yam” comes from West African languages, such as Fulani “nyami,” meaning “to eat.” The word entered English through Portuguese and Spanish traders who met African foods and languages.
In some countries, “yam” and “sweet potato” are mixed up, even though botanists see them as different plants. The word’s African roots remind us that global trade has shaped not just our diets, but our dictionaries.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.