galangal Hear it!

galangal definition

ga·lan·gal (gal′ən gal′)

noun

  1. either of two plants (genus Alpinia) of the ginger family, whose dried rhizomes yield aromatic substances used in medicines and flavorings
  2. any of various plants (genus Cyperus) of the sedge family, some of which have aromatic rootstocks

Etymology: ME galingale < OFr galingal < ML galingala < Ar khulungān, ult. < ? Chin

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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