Background for rhubarb

rhubarb

/ˈɹuːbɑːb/ /ˈɹuˌbɑɹb/

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noun

Any plant of the genus Rheum, especially Rheum rhabarbarum, having large leaves and long green or reddish acidic leafstalks that are edible, in particular when cooked (although the leaves are mildly poisonous).

Examples :

"My grandmother's rhubarb pie is a family favorite. "

plant food vegetable

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noun

The leafstalks of common rhubarb or garden rhubarb (usually known as Rheum × hybridum), which are long, fleshy, often pale red, and with a tart taste, used as a food ingredient; they are frequently stewed with sugar and made into jam or used in crumbles, pies, etc.

Examples :

"My grandmother's garden always has plenty of rhubarb, which she uses to make delicious pies. "

vegetable food plant

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noun

The dried rhizome and roots of Rheum palmatum (Chinese rhubarb) or Rheum officinale (Tibetan rhubarb), from China, used as a laxative and purgative.

Examples :

"My grandmother uses rhubarb to make a natural laxative tea. "

medicine plant vegetable food

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noun

A Royal Air Force World War II code name for operations by aircraft (fighters and fighter-bombers) involving low-level flight to seek opportunistic targets.

Examples :

"During World War II, a pilot received orders for a "rhubarb," meaning he was to fly at low altitude looking for enemy targets of opportunity. "

military war action history

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verb

Of fighter aircraft: to fire at a target opportunistically.

Examples :

"The fighter pilot ruthlessly rhubarbed the enemy drone, firing when it was most vulnerable. "

military vehicle weapon war action

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adjective

Of the colour of rhubarb: either brownish-yellow (the colour of rhubarb rhizomes and roots used for medicinal purposes), or pale red (often the colour of the leafstalks of common rhubarb).

Examples :

"The rhubarb-coloured tablecloth matched the new chairs perfectly. "

color plant vegetable food appearance

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noun

(originally theater) General background noise caused by several simultaneous indecipherable conversations, which is created in films, stage plays, etc., by actors repeating the word rhubarb; hence, such noise in other settings; rhubarb rhubarb, rhubarb rhubarb rhubarb.

Examples :

"The noisy cafeteria was filled with rhubarb, making it hard to hear the announcements. "

entertainment sound stage language communication

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noun

(originally baseball) An excited, angry exchange of words, especially at a sporting event.

Examples :

"The rhubarb between the two teams' coaches after the game was intense. "

sport language entertainment

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noun

(originally baseball, by extension) A brawl.

Examples :

"The argument between the two classmates escalated into a rhubarb on the school playground. "

sport action entertainment

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verb

(originally theater) Of an actor in a film, stage play, etc.: to repeat the word rhubarb to create the sound of indistinct conversation; hence, to converse indistinctly, to mumble.

Examples :

"During the school play, the actors were supposed to rhubarb their lines to simulate a noisy, crowded marketplace. "

entertainment stage sound language communication

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verb

To articulate indistinctly or mumble (words or phrases); to say inconsequential or vague things because one does not know what to say, or to stall for time.

Examples :

"The student, unprepared for the presentation, began to rhubarb about the weather, hoping the teacher would run out of time. "

language communication word