Chicory (noun)

1. A perennial plant that has blue or purple flowers and a long, thick root, which is roasted and ground to make a coffee substitute or additive.
2. The leaves of this plant can also be eaten as a salad green or cooked as a vegetable.

Origin:

Mid 17th century: from french cichorée, from italian cicoria, from latin cichorium, from greek kikhorion, of uncertain origin.

Examples:

1. The restaurant served coffee with chicory.
2. Chicory is a good source of inulin, a type of carbohydrate.
3. The chicory root can be used to make a coffee substitute.
4. Chicory leaves are a popular salad green in southern cuisine.
5. I like to add some roasted chicory root to my coffee for a unique flavor.