Salsify
//ˈsælsɪfi// noun
noun ·Uncommon ·Advanced level
Definitions
Noun
- 1 Any of several flowering plants, of the genus Tragopogon, most of which have purple flowers. countable, uncountable, usually
- 2 either of two long roots eaten cooked wordnet
- 3 Any of several flowering plants, of the genus Tragopogon, most of which have purple flowers.; Tragopogon porrifolius, a plant with linear leaves; cultivated for its light-skinned edible root and herbal properties. Known in particular as "white salsify" among other common names countable, uncountable, usually
- 4 Mediterranean biennial herb with long-stemmed heads of purple ray flowers and milky sap and long edible root; naturalized throughout United States wordnet
- 5 Pseudopodospermum hispanicum (syn. Scorzonera hispanica), a plant similar in flavor to T. porrifolius, with lanceolate leaves; cultivated for its dark-skinned edible root. Known in particular as "black salsify" among other common names countable, uncountable, usually
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- 6 edible root of the salsify plant wordnet
- 7 The edible root of these plants. uncountable, usually
Example
More examples"Composites are usually herbs and shrubs, although there are a few tree composites. Various composites are cultivated for food including sunflower seeds, lettuce, artichokes, chicory, endive, and salsify. The most common human use of this very large family is for garden ornamentals. A few such as chamomile, colt's foot, and wormwood have been used as medicinal plants."
Etymology
From French salsifis.
Related phrases
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Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.