cardamom

[ kahr-duh-muhm ]

/ ˈkɑr də məm /

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noun

the aromatic seed capsules of a tropical Asian plant, Elettaria cardamomum, of the ginger family, used as a spice or condiment and in medicine.

the plant itself.

a related plant, Amomum compactum, or its seeds, used as a substitute for true cardamom.

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In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

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Also car·da·mon

[kahr-duh-muhn], /ˈkɑr də mən/, car·da·mum.

Origin of cardamom

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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use cardamom in a sentence

Add one chive, one cardamon, two cloves, half a nutmeg and salt to taste.
Punch, Or The London Charivari, Vol. 156, April 9, 1919|Various
If you like Cardamon-seeds, you may adde some of them to the spices.
The Closet of Sir Kenelm Digby Knight Opened|Kenelm Digby
I'm sure she had cardamon seeds in her shabby bag, and a carriage with a crest on it waiting for her just around the corner.
Dawn O'Hara, The Girl Who Laughed|Edna Ferber
Cardamon-seeds mingled with the suspended spices, adde much to the pleasantness of the drink.
The Closet of Sir Kenelm Digby Knight Opened|Kenelm Digby

Variable spelling is preserved as printed, eg cardamon, crême.
The Myrtle Reed Cook Book|Myrtle Reed

British Dictionary definitions for cardamom

cardamom

cardamum cardamon (ˈkɑːdəmən)

/ (ˈkɑːdəməm) /

noun

a tropical Asian zingiberaceous plant, Elettaria cardamomum, that has large hairy leaves

the seeds of this plant, used esp as a spice or condiment

a related East Indian plant, Amomum cardamomum, whose seeds are used as a substitute for cardamom seeds

Word Origin for cardamom

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

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