potato
po-ta-to · noun
Definitions
noun
- 1.
A starchy plant tuber that is a staple food, with brown or reddish skin and white or yellowish flesh.
- 2.
The plant of the nightshade family that produces potatoes on underground runners.
Forms
plural: potatoes
Phrases & expressions
- •couch potato — a person who spends a lot of time watching television
- •hot potato — a controversial issue that is difficult to deal with
- •small potatoes — something insignificant or unimportant
- •meat and potatoes — basic, fundamental, or essential
Related words
Etymology
From Spanish patata, from Taino batata ("sweet potato"). The word was later confused with the unrelated Quechua papa (potato), leading to its current meaning.