Definition of "chicory" [chic•o•ry]

• A perennial herb (Cichorium intybus) of the composite family, native to the Old World and widely naturalized in North America, having rayed flower heads with usually blue florets. Also called succory. (noun)
• Any of various forms of this plant cultivated for their edible leaves, such as radicchio. (noun)
• The dried, roasted, ground roots of this plant, used as an adulterant of or substitute for coffee. (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.

• "The chicory is a special red stemmed one that I am in love with - mild enough for salads."
• "Then at the same time you had into New York from San Juan, they came on the so-called chicory flights."
• "Coffee is frequently adulterated with chicory, which is harmless."