batata

[ buh-tah-tuh; Spanish bah-tah-tah ]

/ bəˈtɑ tə; Spanish bɑˈtɑ tɑ /

a type of tropical sweet potato, Batatas edulis, somewhat dry and delicate in flavor.

Also called bo·ni·a·to [boh-nee-ah-toh; Spanish baw-nyah-taw] /ˌboʊ niˈɑ toʊ; Spanish bɔˈnyɑ tɔ/.

Origin of batata

1575–85; < Spanish and Portuguese, from Taino

Their food consists principally of batata, besides some gabi (caladium).

The Former Philippines thru Foreign Eyes |Toms de Comyn
The bread of the country is made from a root that looks like the batata, the stalk of which is like alder.

Original Narratives of Early American History |Vaca and Others
In some parts of America the Batata, next to maize, forms the principal diet of the poorer classes.

Cooley's Cyclopdia of Practical Receipts and Collateral Information in the Arts, Manufactures, Professions, and Trades..., Sixth Edition, Volume I |Arnold Cooley
When Batata saw me making preparations for departure, he warmly pressed me to stay to breakfast.

The Purple Land |W. H. Hudson

I answered that I had been surprised at first, but had ceased to believe that she was a child of Batata's, or of any of his kin.

The Purple Land |W. H. Hudson

batata

/ (bəˈtɑːtə) /

another name for sweet potato

C16: from Spanish, from Taino