cardamom

American  

[kahr-duh-muhm] / ˈkɑr də məm /

Also cardamon

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.

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cardamom British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of cardamom

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

Example Sentences

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

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From BBC

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

From Salon

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

From Salon

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

From Los Angeles Times