Definition of "artichoke" []

• A Mediterranean thistlelike plant (Cynara scolymus) in the composite family, having pinnately divided leaves and large discoid heads of bluish flowers. (noun)
• The edible, immature flower head of this plant. Also called globe artichoke. (noun)
• The Jerusalem artichoke. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "IMHO, the artichoke is the ultimate weight loss food."
• "I had the privilege of living in artichoke country in Northern California for many years."
• "Topinambour, otherwise known as Jerusalem artichoke, is a vegetable that is new to me."