spice Hear it!

spice Definition

spice (spīs)

noun

    1. any of several vegetable substances, as cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, or pepper, used to season food; spices are usually dried for use and have distinctive flavors and aromas
    2. such substances collectively or as a material
  1. a spicy fragrance or aroma
  2. that which adds zest, piquancy, or interest
  3. Archaic a small bit; trace

Etymology: ME < OFr espice < L species (see species): in LL, wares, assorted goods, esp. spices and drugs

transitive verb spiced, spic·ing

  1. to season or flavor with spice
  2. to add zest, piquancy, or interest to

spice Synonyms

spice

n.

seasoning, savor, relish; see flavoring.

Spices include: white pepper, black pepper, red pepper, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, mace, ginger, cloves, turmeric, thyme, coriander, sage, curry, caraway, saffron, cardamom, basil, oregano, salt, chili pepper, cumin, anise, paprika, cayenne.

spice Usage Examples

Object

  • chutney: Moving away from the traditional crumble, try making a spiced rhubarb chutney or rhubarb cordial by boiling the rhubarb with sugar and straining.
  • rum: Also, the shop has added organic vodka, gin and spiced rum to its alcohol shelves.

Converse of object

  • pickle: Pat hens dry with paper towels; brush off excess pickling spice.
  • grind: The Bhandary's Mate might be observed grinding spices on a stone for the morrow's curry.
  • add: Sudoku War adds spice to the most exciting puzzle ever!
  • curry: Heat the oil and fry the curry spices for 1 minute.

Adjective modifier

  • aromatic: Apart from its incomparable natural beauty, Kerala is also known for its aromatic spices.
  • mixed: Mix the bicarbonate of soda, nutmeg, mixed spice into the flour turning well.
  • exotic: The Scottish setting and dialog add a bit of exotic spice for readers tired of terror tales set in small town America.
  • fragrant: Enticed by the scent of fragrant spices and raucous chatter, I wander down the hill.
  • pungent: As a pungent spice and flavoring agent, Ginger also has an important place in the cuisine of countries all around the world.
  • oriental: Often thought of as an oriental spice, but the ancient Greeks used ginger as a medicine.

Modifies a noun

  • turmeric: In a double-blind trial, the spice turmeric was found to relieve indigestion.
  • grinder: Place the cardamom, peppercorns, cloves, cumin seeds, nutmeg and cinnamon in a clean coffee grinder or spice grinder.
  • rack: Students have produced key rings, bird tables and spice racks.
  • plantation: The island is still famous for its spices, and tours around a spice plantation can be organized.
  • mixture: Add this puree to the ground spice mixture in the bowl.
  • paste: Add the chicken, sausage and spice paste and combine.

Noun used with modifier

  • cinnamon: Luscious sultana and aromatic herbal nose, again a cinnamon spice note.
  • ginger: Typical aromas are poached pears, white peach, winter melon and ginger spice.
spice Quotes

Variety's the spice of life, That gives it all its flavour.

—Cowper,William

Browse dictionary entries near spice

  1. spiccato
  2. spicate
  3. spica
  4. spic
  5. sphygmometer
  6. sphygmomanometer
  7. sphygmograph
  8. sphygmogram
  9. sphygmo-
  10. sphygmic
  1. Spice Islands
  2. spiceberry
  3. spicebush
  4. spicery
  5. spick
  6. spick-and-span
  7. spiculate
  8. spicule
  9. spiculum
  10. spicy