cardamom

Also car·da·mon

[kahr-duh-muhm]

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.

cardamom

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of cardamom¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of cardamom¹

C15: from Latin cardamōmum, from Greek kardamōmon, from kardamon cress + amōmon an Indian spice

Example Sentences

As you chew, the cardamom bits send out little bolts of flavor, suffusing the cake with a lovely scent of spice.

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Prized for centuries for its complex, aromatic flavour, cardamom is fiendishly difficult to grow.

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“Then, to pair it with oranges, it’s just a match made in heaven. That citrusy note with the beautiful perfume of cardamom.”

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You get a hint of cardamom contrasting matcha’s grassy, umami and slightly bitter notes.

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It’s got cardamom and the coffee has like stone fruit notes and it’s sweet.

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