mustard

American  

[muhs-terd] / ˈmʌs tərd /

noun

1. a pungent powder or paste prepared from the seeds of certain mustard plants, used as a food seasoning or condiment, and medicinally in plasters, poultices, etc.

2. Botany. any of various cruciferous plants of the mustard family, noted for their acrid and pungent qualities and widely cultivated for culinary and agricultural purposes: among the most commercially important mustards are black mustard, brown mustard, and white mustard.

3. nitrogen mustard.

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idioms

1. cut the mustard, to reach or surpass the desired standard of performance.

   a pitcher who cuts the mustard with his fastball.

mustard British  

/ ˈmʌstəd /

noun

1. any of several Eurasian plants of the genus Brassica, esp black mustard and white mustard, having yellow or white flowers and slender pods and cultivated for their pungent seeds: family Brassicaceae (crucifers) See also charlock

2. a paste made from the powdered seeds of any of these plants and used as a condiment

3. 1. a brownish-yellow colour

   2. ( as adjective )

      a mustard carpet

4. slang zest or enthusiasm

5. slang to come up to expectations

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mustard More Idioms  

1. see cut the mustard.

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Etymology

Origin of mustard

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English mostard(e), mustart, from Old French mostarde, moustarde, a relish originally made of mustard seed and must, equivalent to moust + -arde; must ², -ard

Example Sentences

There’s kale, collard greens, Swiss chard, spinach and mustard greens — a medley of leafy green vegetables that are best enjoyed massaged in olive oil, slow-cooked or sautéed.

From Salon

He thought about a huge, fuzzy, juicy caterpillar, placed right in the center of a piece of whole-wheat bread, maybe with a little mustard dabbed on him.

From Literature

I decided to try picturing myself in Colorado, so when Mrs. Pritchard asked me how big a mustard seed was, she caught me off guard.

From Literature

You can go maximalist — an Alison Roman–style ham party, complete with pickled vegetables, fancy mustard and crusty bread — or you can go blissfully minimal with a giant sub sliced into generous hunks.

From Salon

She was in her tía’s lap, listening to her stories about face-changing witches defeated with mustard seeds, and beautiful princesses sealed in caves by greedy suitors.

From Literature

Related Words

• dressing
• gravy
• horseradish
• ketchup
• pepper
• relish
• salsa
• salt
• sauce
• seasoning
• spice