turmeric

[tur-mer-ik, too-, tyoo-]

noun

1. the aromatic rhizome of an Asian plant, Curcuma domestica (orC. longa ), of the ginger family.

2. a powder prepared from it, used as a condiment, as in curry powder, or as a yellow dye, a medicine, etc.

3. the plant itself.

4. any of various similar substances or plants.

turmeric

/ ˈtɜːmərɪk /

noun

1. a tropical Asian zingiberaceous plant, Curcuma longa , having yellow flowers and an aromatic underground stem

2. the powdered stem of this plant, used as a condiment and as a yellow dye

3. any of several other plants with similar roots

Word History and Origins

Origin of turmeric¹

First recorded in 1530–40; alteration of earlier tarmaret, late Middle English termerite, turmerite; akin to Medieval Latin terra merita, French terre-mérite, literally “merited earth,” an unexplained name for curcuma ( def. )

Word History and Origins

Origin of turmeric¹

C16: from Old French terre merite , from Medieval Latin terra merita , literally: meritorious earth, name applied for obscure reasons to curcuma

Example Sentences

"Even the turmeric I grow on the same land is mine to sell. How can I complain?"

From BBC

A colorful and refreshing sweet treat, TJ’s Watermelon Freeze Dried Candies are made with spirulina, paprika, vegetable juice, turmeric and fruit juice.

From Salon

New School uses a base of barrel-aged cheddar, blended with butter, cream and just a touch of paprika and turmeric for that classic orange hue.

From Salon

"The cortisol cocktail, Ashwagandha tablets, turmeric, black pepper supplements, lavender balm on my forehead - anything."

From BBC

I imagine they may have leaned on warming spices like cumin, turmeric, and cardamom, which are obviously not often thought of as companions to hollandaise.

From Salon