anise

[an-is]

noun

a Mediterranean plant, Pimpinella anisum, of the parsley family, having loose umbrels of small yellowish-white flowers that yield aniseed.
aniseed.

Origin of anise

1350–1400; Middle English anis < Old French < Latin anīsum < Greek ánīson

Related formsa·nis·ic

[uh-nis-ik] /əˈnɪs ɪk/, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for anise

Contemporary Examples of anise

At first, the taste is bright and mostly of fennel, then it slides into anise, and then fades away with a minty finish.
The Absinthe-Minded Porteños of Buenos Aires
Jeff Campagna
March 10, 2014
The potatoes, fennel, anise, and garlic perfectly complement the brininess of the seafood.
Fresh Picks
George Mendes
September 7, 2010
Another variation replaces the anise with candied fruits like oranges, pineapples, and figs.
Secrets of Día de los Muertos
Ana Sofia Pelaez
October 27, 2009

Historical Examples of anise

We can't afford to be tolled off the track by a bag of anise seed.
A Spoil of Office
Hamlin Garland
Sift flour and add to the egg mixture together with the anise seed.
Pennsylvania Dutch Cooking
Unknown
This preparation is said to be composed of hygiama,116 galega and anise.
The Propaganda for Reform in Proprietary Medicines, Vol. 2 of 2
Various
Oil of anise or rhodium is sometimes used for the same purpose.
Coyotes in Their Economic Relations
David E. Lantz
How much of that oil of anise did you use to attract those bears?
The Pony Rider Boys in New England
Frank Gee Patchin

British Dictionary definitions for anise

anise

noun

a Mediterranean umbelliferous plant, Pimpinella anisum, having clusters of small yellowish-white flowers and liquorice-flavoured seedsSee aniseed

Word Origin for anise

C13: from Old French anis, via Latin from Greek anison

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for anise

Levantine plant cultivated for its seeds, which were important sources of chemical oils and flavoring, c.1300, from Old French anis (13c.), from Latin anisum, from Greek anison. By the Ancients, somewhat confused with dill.