cardamom

American  

[kahr-duh-muhm] / ˈkɑr də məm /

Also cardamon

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.

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cardamom British  

/ ˈkɑːdəməm, ˈkɑːdəmən /

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

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Etymology

Origin of cardamom

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

Example Sentences

Visitors can shop for cardamom or phone chargers in its sandy central marketplace without protection, supervision or fear.

From The Wall Street Journal

Make a pumpkin spice blend that leans heavily on ginger instead of cinnamon, with a flicker of cardamom for warmth.

From Salon

Next up, a pumpkin loaf that refuses to be merely seasonal wallpaper: layered with cold coffee, cardamom, candied citrus and dark chocolate, it’s a little bit bakery, a little bit cozy kitchen alchemy.

From Salon

Before the tray goes into the oven, I dust everything with the barest whisper of cardamom.

From Salon

It’s like a rose water and cardamom flavor.

From Los Angeles Times