Definition

1. Noun:
   • A perennial herb of the Old World: Cichorium intybus is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae, native to Europe, western Asia, and North Africa.
   • A plant cultivated for its parts: It is grown for its root, which can be roasted and ground as a coffee additive or substitute, and for its leaves, which are used as a salad green.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Cichorium intybus is commonly known as chicory.
  • The bitter leaves of Cichorium intybus are often used in mesclun salad mixes.
  • Farmers cultivate Cichorium intybus primarily for its large taproot.

Advanced Usage

• In botanical and agricultural contexts: The scientific name is used to specify the species precisely, distinguishing it from related plants like endive ().
  • The study focused on the drought resistance of Cichorium intybus.

Variants and Related Words

• Chicory (n): The common name for .
  • Chicory root is often used in herbal coffee blends.
• Radicchio (n): A variety of with red leaves.
  • Radicchio adds color and a bitter note to salads.
• Witloof / Belgian endive (n): The forced, blanched leaf buds of .
  • Witloof is typically eaten raw or braised.

Synonyms

• Succory (n, archaic): An old common name for chicory.
• Blue sailors (n, regional): A folk name referring to the blue flowers of the plant.

Related Phrases

• Chicory coffee: A beverage made from roasted chicory root.
  • During the war, people often drank chicory coffee when real coffee was scarce.
• Chicory greens: The edible leaves of the plant.
  • The recipe calls for chicory greens to add a bitter flavor.

Noun

1. perennial Old World herb having rayed flower heads with blue florets cultivated for its root and its heads of crisp edible leaves used in salads