noun

1. a European perennial plant (Glycyrrhiza glabra) of the pea family, with spikes of blue flowers and short, flat pods
2. the dried root of this plant or the black extract made from it, used in medicine, esp. as a vehicle and a diluting agent, or as a flavoring
3. candy flavored with this extract or in imitation of it

Etymology: ME licorys < OFr licorece < LL liquiritia, altered (by assoc. with liquor: see liquor) < L glycyrrhiza < Gr glykys, sweet (see glycerin) + rhiza, root