allium

American  

[al-ee-uhm] / ˈæl i əm /

noun

1. any bulbous plant belonging to the genus Allium, of the amaryllis family, having an onion odor and flowers in a round cluster, including the onion, leek, shallot, garlic, and chive.

2. a substance occurring in garlic bulbs that has antibiotic properties.

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allium British  

/ ˈælɪəm /

noun

1. any plant of the genus Allium, such as the onion, garlic, shallot, leek, or chive: family Alliaceae

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Etymology

Origin of allium

1800–10; < New Latin, Latin: garlic

Example Sentences

About knowing when an allium should sing and when it should hum in the background, when it should melt into silk and when it should shatter between your teeth.

From Salon • Mar. 19, 2025

Also, one of the best dishes I had this month: kimchi with pork, a salty, spicy dish with bright, sweet allium flavors.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 21, 2023

Every bit of this hearty braise is infused with allium pungency thanks to four whole bunches of scallions.

From Washington Times • Apr. 12, 2023

During a helicopter trip through California’s Klamath Mountains, Julie Kierstead, a research associate with the academy, stumbled upon an unfamiliar species of allium — the group of flowering plants including onions, garlic and shallots.

From New York Times • Apr. 10, 2023

Of all the species of allium, the onion has the volatile principle in the greatest degree; and hence it is impossible to separate the scales of the root without the eyes being affected.

From The Book of Household Management by Beeton, Mrs. (Isabella Mary)