batata
(bəˈtɑːtə, bəˈteɪtə)
[a. Sp. and Pg. batata, from a native American language; according to Peter Martyr and Navagerio, 1526, the native name in Haiti. (Hence, transferred to a different plant, potato.)]
A plant (Batatas edulis, family Convolvulaceæ) having an edible tuberous root, called also Spanish or Sweet Potato, a native of the West Indies, whence it was introduced into Spain early in the 16th c.
| 1577 Frampton Joyf. Newes 104 The Batatas..a common frute in those countries..a victaill of much substaunce. 1613 Purchas Pilgr. v. xiv. 516 The islands of Moratay..where Battata-roots is their bread. 1832 Veg. Subst. Food 126 The plant carried to Ireland by Captain Hawkins, in 1565, was the Spanish batata, or sweet potato. 1866 Livingstone Jrnl. I. iii. 73 Batatas and maize were often planted. |