asafoetida

/ ˌæsəˈfɛtɪdə /

noun

1. a bitter resin with an unpleasant onion-like smell, obtained from the roots of some umbelliferous plants of the genus Ferula: formerly used as a carminative, antispasmodic, and expectorant

Word History and Origins

Origin of asafoetida¹

C14: from Medieval Latin, from asa gum (compare Persian azā mastic) + Latin foetidus evil-smelling, fetid

Example Sentences

"Let me see how much asafoetida you've got," said Sneak, after they had walked a few moments in silence.

From Project Gutenberg

It is generally a greasy stew of mutton, soaked with rancid butter and saffron, and seasoned with asafoetida.

From Project Gutenberg

They do not use asafoetida (hing) nor the fruit of the umar fig-tree.

From Project Gutenberg

Some take it up like a hot horseshoe, and hold it off at arm's length like a druggist pouring tincture of asafoetida in a bottle.

From Project Gutenberg

His wry faces were from no indigestion, but from the savour of asafoetida, unrelieved by brandy.

From Project Gutenberg