How Do You Spell CAMAS?

Pronunciation: [kˈɑːməz] (IPA)

The word "camas" is spelled with a silent "s" at the end, unlike many words that end in -as such as "gas" or "was". The correct IPA phonetic transcription for "camas" is /ˈkæməs/. The "a" in the first syllable is short and pronounced as in "cat", while the second "a" is pronounced as in "mass". The final "s" is silent, and the stress falls on the first syllable. "Camas" refers to a plant native to North America that produces blue-purple flowers.

CAMAS Meaning and Definition

1. Camas refers to a perennial flowering plant from the genus Camassia, primarily native to North America. It is a member of the lily family (Liliaceae) and is commonly found in wet meadows, floodplains, and moist prairies.

   The camas plant typically features grass-like leaves that arise from a basal rosette, growing up to several feet in height. It produces showy flowers with vibrant hues, ranging from purple to blue, and occasionally white. These blooms are arranged in dense clusters atop tall, erect stems.

   Historically, camas plants played a significant role in the culture and sustenance of various Indigenous peoples across North America. The bulbs of certain camas species were harvested by these communities as a valuable food source. These bulbs possess a starchy, edible quality and were traditionally prepared by roasting or pit-cooking methods to remove their bitter taste. Once cooked, the bulbs transformed into a sweet, nutritious staple, often consumed in combination with other foraged foods.

   In modern times, camas plants continue to be appreciated for their aesthetic value and are frequently employed in ornamental gardening and landscaping. They are well-suited for creating vibrant displays within wetland gardens or naturalized areas. Furthermore, camas species contribute to the ecological health of their native habitats by attracting pollinators and supporting a diverse array of wildlife.

Common Misspellings for CAMAS

• camas
• samas
• kamas
• gamas
• aamas
• cimas
• cemas
• ccmas
• ca-as
• caeas
• caias
• caoas
• camcs
• cama3
• camac
• camaq
• c amas
• ca mas
• cam as
• cama s

Etymology of CAMAS

The word "camas" originated from the Indigenous languages of the Americas, specifically from the Chinook Jargon. The term was first recorded in English in the early 19th century and initially referred to a specific plant species, Camassia quamash, which is native to North America. The Chinook Jargon word for this plant was "ká̓məs" or "kámas". Over time, the term "camas" expanded its meaning to encompass not just the plant but also the edible bulb produced by the plant. Today, "camas" is used to refer to the plant, its bulb, and sometimes even the meadows or fields where the plant grows.

Similar spelling words for CAMAS

• CAMPS,
• camus,
• camise,
• camuso,
• CANAS,
• cannes,
• camassia,
• canis,
• Comes,
• camacho,
• jams,
• camass,
• camash,
• cammack,
• camosh.

Plural form of CAMAS is CAMASES