turmeric

(tʉr′mər ik)

noun

1. an East Indian plant (Curcuma longa) of the ginger family, whose rhizome in powdered form is used as a yellow dye or a seasoning, and in medicine
2. its aromatic rhizome or the powder made from it
any of several other plants having tuberous rhizomes

Origin: earlier also tormerik < MFr terre-mérite < ML terra merita, lit., deserved (or deserving) earth < ?

See turmeric in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A widely cultivated tropical plant (Curcuma domestica) of India, having yellow flowers and an aromatic, somewhat fleshy rhizome.
The powdered rhizome of this plant, used as a condiment and a yellow dye.
Any of several other plants having similar rhizomes.

Origin:

Origin: Alteration of Middle English termeryte

Origin: , from Old French terre-merite, saffron

Origin: , from Medieval Latin terra merita

Origin: : Latin terra, earth; see ters- in Indo-European roots

Origin: + Latin merita

Origin: , feminine past participle of merēre, to deserve; see (s)mer-² in Indo-European roots

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