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turmeric definition

tur·meric (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
  2. any of several other plants having tuberous rhizomes

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

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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