(n)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, Syn.succory, chicory plant, Cichorium intybus
n. [ F. chicorée, earlier also cichorée, L. cichorium, fr. Gr. &unr_;, &unr_;, Cf. Succory. ] 1. (Bot.) A branching perennial plant (Cichorium Intybus) with bright blue flowers, growing wild in Europe, Asia, and America; also cultivated for its roots and as a salad plant; succory; wild endive. See Endive. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. The root, which is roasted for mixing with coffee. [ 1913 Webster ]