View synonyms for rhubarb

rhubarb

[ roo-bahrb ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

any of several plants belonging to the genus Rheum, of the buckwheat family, as R. officinale, having a medicinal rhizome, and R. rhabarbarum, having edible leafstalks.
the rhizome of any medicinal species of this plant, forming a combined cathartic and astringent.
the edible, fleshy leafstalks of R. rhabarbarum, used in making pies, preserves, etc.
Slang. a quarrel or squabble.

rhubarb

/ ˈruːbɑːb /

noun

any of several temperate and subtropical plants of the polygonaceous genus Rheum , esp R. rhaponticum ( common garden rhubarb ), which has long green and red acid-tasting edible leafstalks, usually eaten sweetened and cooked
the leafstalks of this plant
a related plant, Rheum officinale , of central Asia, having a bitter-tasting underground stem that can be dried and used medicinally as a laxative or astringent
slang.
a heated discussion or quarrel
the noise made by actors to simulate conversation, esp by repeating the word rhubarb at random

verb

to simulate conversation, esp by repeating the word rhubarb at random

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Word History and Origins

Origin of rhubarb¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English rubarb, reubarb, from Old French r(e)ubarbe, from Medieval Latin reubarbarum, from Greek rhéon bárbaron “foreign rhubarb”

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Word History and Origins

Origin of rhubarb¹

C14: from Old French reubarbe , from Medieval Latin reubarbum , probably a variant of rha barbarum barbarian rhubarb, from rha rhubarb (from Greek, perhaps from Rha ancient name of the Volga) + Latin barbarus barbarian

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Example Sentences

She even had the audacity to steal from his personal rhubarb plant.

From The Daily Beast

RHUBY is a heady blend of rhubarb, beets, carrots, and cardamom.

From The Daily Beast

Serve the Baked Alaska immediately with the rhubarb syrup and extra raspberries.

From The Daily Beast

Rhubarb Roulade This powdered sugar-dusted pink-and-white pinwheel is a classically beautiful Gourmet dessert.

From The Daily Beast

Mike loaded the wagon with peas, the last of the rhubarb, and ten quarts of currants picked by Peter, and off we started.

From Project Gutenberg

If I were her medical man, I should order her a dose of rhubarb and sal volatile.

From Project Gutenberg

When made of good Turkey, or even East India rhubarb, it is a very valuable preparation.

From Project Gutenberg

The large-leaved rhubarb and cabbage plants slept too, their broad limp surfaces hanging in the sun like half-closed umbrellas.

From Project Gutenberg

Take spicierum hier, a scruple each of rhubarb, agaric lozenges, and make into pills with iris juice.

From Project Gutenberg

Word of the Day

April 19, 2024tortuous

[tawr-choo-uhs ]

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RHS rhumb

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