agave

American  

[uh-gah-vee, uh-gey-] / əˈgɑ vi, əˈgeɪ- /

noun

1. any of numerous American plants belonging to the genus Agave, of the agave family, species of which are cultivated for economic or ornamental purposes: A. arizonica, of central Arizona, is an endangered species.

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agave British  

/ ˈæɡeɪv, əˈɡeɪvɪ /

noun

1. any plant of the genus Agave , native to tropical America, with tall flower stalks rising from a massive, often armed, rosette of thick fleshy leaves: family Agavaceae. Some species are the source of fibres such as sisal or of alcoholic beverages such as pulque and tequila See also century plant

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Etymology

Origin of agave

< New Latin (Linnaeus) < Greek agauḗ, feminine of agauós noble, brilliant

Compare meaning

How does agave compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• blue agave vs. agave
• maguey vs. agave

Example Sentences

He told jurors on Jan. 29 that he had had wine with Erickson at the Stonehaus winery in Westlake Village and then met up later with Erickson and Grossman at Julio’s Agave Grill.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 14, 2024

The new study, focused on Carpobrotus, Acacia, Agave, and Opuntia, reveals the sophisticated strategies of invasive plants to occupy new habitats successfully and move the native flora.

From Science Daily • Jan. 12, 2024

Agave clones are more vulnerable to disease; in a 2011 die-off, about 40% of distillers’ agave fields were blighted.

From Science Magazine • Oct. 11, 2023

Where to Buy: Agave syrup is available at many grocery and liquor stores; substitute simple syrup if you can’t find it.

From Washington Post • Apr. 20, 2023

With a loud yet gentle voice, First Turkey said, “Water Monster of the Agave Pond, you must attain medicine from your mother to buy us more time.”

From "Healer of the Water Monster" by Brian Young