rhubarb

American  

[roo-bahrb] / ˈru bɑrb /

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.

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rhubarb British  

/ 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

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verb

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

Usage

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.

Etymology

Origin of rhubarb

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”

Example Sentences

This easy chicken dish celebrates rhubarb’s savory side.

From New York Times

Oregon dominates other states in blackberry, crimson clover, and rhubarb production, and almost all of the country's hazelnuts are grown there.

From Salon

Think: hibiscus, lavender-lemon combos, and summer fruits like blackberries, huckleberries, peaches and rhubarb.

From Seattle Times

Bernardita Contreras said her first batch of a rhubarb crop had survived but there was no chance for the second one.

From Reuters

Cook the rhubarb with sugar, lemon zest, and fresh mint until it has released its pretty-in-pink color and tart flavor.

From Salon