yampee

[ yam-pee ]

noun

1. a vine, Dioscorea trifida, of South America, having large leaves and edible tubers.

Word History and Origins

Origin of yampee¹

First recorded in 1790–1800; perhaps ultimately of West African origin; compare Vai (Mande language of Liberia and Sierra Leone) džambi “wild yam”

Example Sentences

When I pointed to the fresh water, he said slowly and distinctly, "Yampee, Yampee."

From Project Gutenberg