salsify

[ sal-suh-fee ]

/ ˈsæl sə fi /

noun, plural sal·si·fies.

a purple-flowered, composite plant, Tragopogon porrifolius, whose root has an oyster-like flavor and is used as a culinary vegetable.

Nearby words

salpingostomy, salpingotomy, salpinx, salsa, salsa verde, salsify, salt, salt away, salt bath, salt cake, salt cedar

Origin of salsify

1690–1700; < French salsifis, variant of sassefy, sassef(r)ique < Italian sassef(r)ica) < ?

Also called oyster plant, vegetable oyster.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for salsify

Mrs. Salsify now began to regard Dick with different eyes, as what prudent mother would not?
Eventide|Effie Afton
Mrs. Salsify looked up to a peg on which she had hung six nicely-dressed chickens the night before.
Eventide|Effie Afton
Salsify is commonly known as 'Vegetable Oyster,' and is an excellent component of a Salad.
The Culture of Vegetables and Flowers From Seeds and Roots, 16th Edition|Sutton and Sons
Cook some salsify until tender, slice it into quarters lengthways, and cut it into 3-in.
A Comprehensive Guide-Book to Natural, Hygienic and Humane Diet|Sydney H. Beard

"Thank you," said Amy taking the bunch of keys from Mrs. Salsify's hand.
Eventide|Effie Afton

British Dictionary definitions for salsify

salsify

/ (ˈsælsɪfɪ) /

noun plural -fies

Also called: oyster plant, vegetable oyster a Mediterranean plant, Tragopogon porrifolius, having grasslike leaves, purple flower heads, and a long white edible taproot: family Asteraceae (composites)

the root of this plant, which tastes of oysters and is eaten as a vegetable

Word Origin for salsify

C17: from French salsifis, from Italian sassefrica, from Late Latin saxifrica, from Latin saxum rock + fricāre to rub

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012