Liberal Dictionary English Dictionary
noun, plural chic·o·ries.
- a composite plant, Cichorium intybus, having bright-blue flower heads and toothed oblong leaves, cultivated as a salad plant and for its root, which is used roasted and ground as a substitute for or additive to coffee.Compare endive(def 2).
- the root of this plant.
noun plural -ries
- Also called: succory a blue-flowered plant, Cichorium intybus, cultivated for its leaves, which are used in salads, and for its roots: family Asteraceae (composites)
- the root of this plant, roasted, dried, and used as a coffee substitute
late 14c., cicoree (modern form from mid-15c.), from Middle French cichorée “endive, chicory” (15c., Modern French chicorée), from Latin cichoreum, from Greek kikhorion (plural kikhoreia) “endive,” of unknown origin. Klein suggests a connection with Old Egyptian keksher. The modern English form is from French influence.