TURMERIC

turmeric

(noun) ground dried rhizome of the turmeric plant used as seasoning

turmeric, Curcuma longa, Curcuma domestica

(noun) widely cultivated tropical plant of India having yellow flowers and a large aromatic deep yellow rhizome; source of a condiment and a yellow dye

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology

Noun

turmeric (countable and uncountable, plural turmerics)

(botany) An Indian plant, Curcuma longa, with aromatic rhizomes, part of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae).

(cooking) The pulverized rhizome of the turmeric plant, used for flavoring and to add a bright yellow color to food.

Synonym: haldi

A yellow to reddish-brown dye extracted from the turmeric plant.

Synonym: E100

Source: Wiktionary


Tur"mer*ic, n. Etym: [F. terre-mérite, NL. terramerita, turmerica; apparently meaning, excellent earth, but perhaps a corruption of Ar. kurkum. Cf. Curcuma.]

1. (Bot.)

Definition: An East Indian plant of the genus Curcuma, of the Ginger family.

2. The root or rootstock of the Curcuma longa. It is externally grayish, but internally of a deep, lively yellow or saffron color, and has a slight aromatic smell, and a bitterish, slightly acrid taste. It is used for a dye, a medicine, a condiment, and a chemical test.

Tur"mer*ic, a. (Chem.)

Definition: Of or pertaining to turmeric; resembling, or obtained from, turmeric; specif., designating an acid obtained by the oxidation of turmerol. Turmeric paper (Chem.), paper impregnated with turmeric and used as a test for alkaline substances, by which it is changed from yellow to brown.

– Turmeric root. (Bot.) (a) Bloodroot. (b) Orangeroot.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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Word of the Day

22 April 2025

BRIGHT

(adjective) made smooth and bright by or as if by rubbing; reflecting a sheen or glow; “bright silver candlesticks”; “a burnished brass knocker”; “she brushed her hair until it fell in lustrous auburn waves”; “rows of shining glasses”; “shiny black patents”


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