Rhubarb is a plant with large leaves and long red stems. You can cook the stems with sugar to make jam or puddings.
rhubarb in British English
(ˈruːbɑːb)
noun
1.
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
2.
the leafstalks of this plant
3.
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
4. US and Canadian slang
a heated discussion or quarrel
5.
the noise made by actors to simulate conversation, esp by repeating the word rhubarb at random
verb
6.
to simulate conversation, esp by repeating the word rhubarb at random
Word origin
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
rhubarb in American English
(ˈruˌbɑrb)
noun
1.
any of a genus (Rheum) of perennial, large-leaved plants of the buckwheat family; esp., the domestic pieplant (R. rhaponticum), having large, cordate leaf blades borne on long, thick stalks: the stalks are cooked into a sauce or baked in pies, but the blades are poisonous
2.
the roots and rhizomes of various Asiatic rhubarbs, used as a cathartic
3. US, Slang
a heated discussion or argument
Word origin
ME rubarbe < OFr rheubarbe < ML rheubarbarum, altered < LL rha barbarum < Gr rhēon barbaron, foreign rhubarb < rhēon, rhubarb (< Pers rēwend) + barbaron, foreign, barbarous; (sense 3) ? from the practice in early radio broadcasts of repeating “rhubarb” insimulating crowd noises
Add the softened apples and rhubarb to the cake batter and gently fold through with a spatula.
The Sun (2013)
Strain the rhubarb juice into a small pan.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Then dot about some of the poached rhubarb pieces.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Simmer for about five minutes until the rhubarb is tender.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
Try it with this quickly made rhubarb and orange jam.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
She grew vegetables and rhubarb in the garden.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Add apples and rhubarb and stir to coat.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Put the reserved rhubarb juice and the orange juice into a saucepan and bring to boil.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
It goes very well with quickly made rhubarb jam.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Forced rhubarb is particularly good for this because the tender stems tend to have more pretty strawberry notes.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
You try eating rhubarb without sugar.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
The poor things decided to grow in the dark, like forced rhubarb.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Top with crumbled meringue, then drizzle with the rhubarb poaching liquid.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
My mum grows rhubarb in her garden and when summer comes we'll still be eating that.
The Sun (2010)
You need to dig deep before planting rhubarb and the asparagus that will help keep you fed in the style to which you have become accustomed.
The Sun (2010)
When should I plant rhubarb in my garden?
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
If you want the tender pink stems that make rhubarb the first delicacy of the fruit season, cover the crown with a large pot in early spring.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
When moving rhubarb, make sure each segment has at least one fat bud - this should be buried just below the soil surface.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
A deliciously simple and speedy way to serve young, sweet, forced rhubarb.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
The harvested stalks are tender, sweet and a distinctive bright pink in colour with tiny, curled yellow leaves that make forced rhubarb instantly recognisable.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
In other languages
rhubarb
British English: rhubarb /ˈruːbɑːb/ NOUN
Rhubarb is a plant with large leaves and long red stems.