ar·ti·choke 
/ˈɑɚtəˌtʃoʊk/ noun
plural ar·ti·chokes /ˈɑɚtəˌtʃoʊk/ noun [count] : a vegetable with thick, pointed leaves ◊The artichoke consists of a soft middle part surrounded by small, thick leaves. The middle, known as the heart of the artichoke, and the bottom part of the leaves are eaten after being cooked. — see color picture; see also jerusalem artichoke
