n. [ Pg. inhame, probably from some native name. ] 1. (Bot.) A large, esculent, farinaceous tuber of various climbing plants of the genus Dioscorea; also, the plants themselves. Mostly natives of warm climates. The plants have netted-veined, petioled leaves, and pods with three broad wings. The commonest species is Dioscorea sativa, but several others are cultivated. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Bot.) Any one of several cultural varieties of the sweet potato. [ U. S. ] [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

Chinese yam, a plant (Dioscorea Batatas) with a long and slender tuber, hardier than most of the other species. --
Wild yam. (a) A common plant (Dioscorea villosa) of the Eastern United States, having a hard and knotty rootstock. (b) An orchidaceous plant (Gastrodia sesamoides) of Australia and Tasmania. [ 1913 Webster ]

‖n. [ Skr. yama a twin. ] (Hindoo Myth.) The king of the infernal regions, corresponding to the Greek Pluto, and also the judge of departed souls. In later times he is more exclusively considered the dire judge of all, and the tormentor of the wicked. He is represented as of a green color, with red garments, having a crown on his head, his eyes inflamed, and sitting on a buffalo, with a club and noose in his hands. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Chin. ya a civil or military court + men a gate. ] In China, the official headquarters or residence of a mandarin, including court rooms, offices, gardens, prisons, etc.; the place where the business of any public department is transcated. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

n. [ See Llama. ] (Zool.) The llama. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. (Bot.) An umbelliferous plant (Carum Gairdneri); also, its small fleshy roots, which are eaten by the Indians from Idaho to California. [ 1913 Webster ]