aniseed

[an-uh-seed, an-is-seed]

noun

the aromatic seed of anise, the oil of which (anise oil, aniseed oil, oil of anise) is used in the manufacture of anethole, in medicine as a carminative and expectorant, and in cookery and liqueurs for its licoricelike flavor.

Origin of aniseed

First recorded in 1350–1400, aniseed is from the Middle English word anece seed. See anise, seed

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

Examples from the Web for aniseed

Historical Examples of aniseed

Her little weakness, aniseed, did not make her vicious, but just.
The Fortune of the Rougons
Emile Zola
As I noticed the smell of aniseed, I accepted the offer at once.
Chatterbox, 1905.
Various
He gave him the little bottle of aniseed, opening it as he did so.
Casa Braccio, Volumes 1 and 2 (of 2)
F. Marion Crawford
Oil of aniseed, spread on the bait, will attract them into a trap.
Miss Leslie's Lady's New Receipt-Book
Eliza Leslie
Illicie, the Aniseed tribe; and Magnolie, the Magnolia tribe.
Botany for Ladies
Jane Loudon

British Dictionary definitions for aniseed

aniseed

noun

the liquorice-flavoured aromatic seeds of the anise plant, used medicinally for expelling intestinal gas and in cookery as a flavouring, esp in cakes and confectionsAlso called: anise

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 aniseed

late 14c., a contraction of anise seed (n.).