an·nat·to also a·nat·to ( -nä t )n. pl. an·nat·tos also a·nat·tos In all senses also called achiote. 1. A tropical American evergreen shrub or small tree (Bixa orellana), having heart-shaped leaves and showy, rose-pink or sometimes white flowers. Also called lipstick tree. 2. The seed of this plant, used as a coloring and sometimes as a flavoring, especially in Latin American cuisine. 3. A yellowish-red dyestuff obtained from the seed aril of this plant, used especially to dye fabric and to color food products such as margarine and cheese. [Of Cariban origin.] |
annatto, anatto [əˈnætəʊ]
n pl -tos
1. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Plants) a small tropical American tree, Bixa orellana, having red or pinkish flowers and pulpy seeds that yield a dye: family Bixaceae
2. (Clothing, Personal Arts & Crafts / Dyeing) the yellowish-red dye obtained from the pulpy outer layer of the coat of the seeds of this tree, used for colouring fabrics, butter, varnish, etc.
[from Carib]
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