cardamom

[ kahr-duh-muhm ]

noun

1. the aromatic seed capsules of a tropical Asian plant, Elettaria cardamomum, of the ginger family, used as a spice or condiment and in medicine.
2. the plant itself.
3. a related plant, Amomum compactum, or its seeds, used as a substitute for true cardamom.

cardamom

/ ˈkɑːdəmən; ˈkɑːdəməm /

noun

1. a tropical Asian zingiberaceous plant, Elettaria cardamomum, that has large hairy leaves
2. the seeds of this plant, used esp as a spice or condiment
3. a related East Indian plant, Amomum cardamomum, whose seeds are used as a substitute for cardamom seeds

Word History and Origins

Origin of cardamom¹

1350–1400; Middle English (< Middle French ) < Latin cardamōmum < Greek kardámōnon, blend of kárdamon cress and ámōmon a spice plant

Word History and Origins

Origin of cardamom¹

C15: from Latin cardamōmum, from Greek kardamōmon, from kardamon cress + amōmon an Indian spice

Example Sentences

Divide the cardamom and coriander equally between two 1-pint jars.

From Washington Post

“My family drinks Turkish coffee and I don’t like it because it has a lot of cardamom and sugar and it’s dark-roasted,” says Sara Al Ali, a Saudi coffeepreneur and a Turkish coffee specialist.

From Ozy

In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, salt, cinnamon and cardamom.

From Washington Post

For many, cardamom is an essential ingredient to a masala chai.

From Washington Post

The flavors and proportions vary slightly from cook to cook, but shawarma spice mix often includes cumin, cardamom, and paprika.

From Popular-Science

RHUBY is a heady blend of rhubarb, beets, carrots, and cardamom.

From The Daily Beast

Eaten all over India, kulfi comes in such flavors as pistachio, cardamom, mango, and saffron.

From The Daily Beast

Bruise the cardamom pods with the back of a knife to release the seeds, and add to the pan, giving a stir as you do so.

From The Daily Beast

He chewed leisurely upon a few cardamom seeds, but he breathed uneasily.

From Project Gutenberg

Columbian spirits, caramel, cinnamon and cardamom, and a touch of the buchu.

From Project Gutenberg

But Mrs. Bett was eating cardamom seeds with exceeding gusto, and Lulu looked away.

From Project Gutenberg

Today the menu included brown rice, a new selection of vegetables, and cardamom seeds.

From Project Gutenberg

It is offered with areca-nut, cloves, cardamom and lime rolled up in a quid to the guests at all social functions.

From Project Gutenberg