rhubarb

[roo-bahrb]

noun

1. any of several plants belonging to the genus Rheum, of the buckwheat family, as R. officinale, having a medicinal rhizome, and R. rhabarbarum, having edible leafstalks.

2. the rhizome of any medicinal species of this plant, forming a combined cathartic and astringent.

3. the edible, fleshy leafstalks of R. rhabarbarum, used in making pies, preserves, etc.

4. Slang.,  a quarrel or squabble.

rhubarb

/ ˈruːbɑːb /

noun

1. any of several temperate and subtropical plants of the polygonaceous genus Rheum , esp R. rhaponticum ( common garden rhubarb ), which has long green and red acid-tasting edible leafstalks, usually eaten sweetened and cooked

2. the leafstalks of this plant

3. a related plant, Rheum officinale , of central Asia, having a bitter-tasting underground stem that can be dried and used medicinally as a laxative or astringent

4. slang,  a heated discussion or quarrel

5. the noise made by actors to simulate conversation, esp by repeating the word rhubarb at random

verb

1. to simulate conversation, esp by repeating the word rhubarb at random

Word History and Origins

Origin of rhubarb¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English rubarb, reubarb, from Old French r(e)ubarbe, from Medieval Latin reubarbarum, from Greek rhéon bárbaron “foreign rhubarb”

Word History and Origins

Origin of rhubarb¹

C14: from Old French reubarbe , from Medieval Latin reubarbum , probably a variant of rha barbarum barbarian rhubarb, from rha rhubarb (from Greek, perhaps from Rha ancient name of the Volga) + Latin barbarus barbarian

Example Sentences

“Once I started playing around with flavor combinations that I love — like rhubarb, mint, sumac and mascarpone and black and white cookies — I realized the world is our cookie salad oyster.”

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"That's my secret to a long life: custard, custard, custard; rhubarb from the garden and custard," he said.

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There are versions of time-honored classics like key lime and strawberry rhubarb crumble, and a swoon-worthy peaches and cream combo.

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The pie's filling consists of sliced rhubarb and strawberries cooked in granulated sugar, cornstarch, nutmeg, and a pinch of fine sea salt.

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A handful of blueberries, strawberries or even rhubarb cooked down with bourbon and a touch of chili flake before being strained or puréed makes for a rich, violet-toned sauce that’s both vibrant and unexpected.

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When To Use

What is rhubarb?

Rhubarb is a plant with edible leafstalks that are known for their use in making pies and preserves.This kind of rhubarb has a tart, tangy, sour flavor that’s often paired with sweet ingredients, such as in strawberry rhubarb pie.Rhubarb is also used as a slang term to refer to a fight or argument. This slang term is especially associated with baseball, as in The manager came out to argue the umpire’s call and it wasn’t long before it turned into a rhubarb with pointing and shouting. In the context of theater, the word rhubarb is used as a term for the noise made by actors to simulate conversation. For whatever reason, this is sometimes done by randomly repeating the word rhubarb. Rhubarb can also be used as a verb meaning to simulate conversation in this way.Example: Rhubarb has a very short growing season, so I like to use it in as many recipes as I can when it’s available.