tur·mer·ic (tûr m r- k, t -)n. 1. A widely cultivated tropical plant (Curcuma domestica) of India, having yellow flowers and an aromatic, somewhat fleshy rhizome. 2. The powdered rhizome of this plant, used as a condiment and a yellow dye. 3. Any of several other plants having similar rhizomes. [Alteration of Middle English termeryte, from Old French terre-merite, saffron, from Medieval Latin terra merita : Latin terra, earth; see ters- in Indo-European roots + Latin merita, feminine past participle of mer  re, to deserve; see (s)mer-2 in Indo-European roots.] |
turmeric [ˈtɜːmərɪk]
n
1. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Plants) a tropical Asian zingiberaceous plant, Curcuma longa, having yellow flowers and an aromatic underground stem
2. (Cookery) the powdered stem of this plant, used as a condiment and as a yellow dye
3. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Plants) any of several other plants with similar roots
[from Old French terre merite, from Medieval Latin terra merita, literally: meritorious earth, name applied for obscure reasons to curcuma]
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. | turmeric - widely cultivated tropical plant of India having yellow flowers and a large aromatic deep yellow rhizome; source of a condiment and a yellow dye turmeric - ground dried rhizome of the turmeric plant used as seasoning herb, herbaceous plant - a plant lacking a permanent woody stem; many are flowering garden plants or potherbs; some having medicinal properties; some are pests Curcuma, genus Curcuma - tropical Asiatic perennial herbs |
| 2. | turmeric - ground dried rhizome of the turmeric plant used as seasoning flavorer, flavoring, flavourer, flavouring, seasoning, seasoner - something added to food primarily for the savor it imparts Curcuma domestica, Curcuma longa, turmeric - widely cultivated tropical plant of India having yellow flowers and a large aromatic deep yellow rhizome; source of a condiment and a yellow dye |
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