cayenne

¹ American  

[kahy-en, key-, kahy-en] / kaɪˈɛn, keɪ-, ˈkaɪˌɛn /

noun

1. a hot, biting condiment composed of the ground pods and seeds of the pepper Capsicum annuum longum.

2. the long, wrinkled, twisted fruit of this plant.

3. the plant itself.

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Cayenne ² American  

[kahy-en, key-] / kaɪˈɛn, keɪ- /

noun

1. a seaport in and the capital of French Guiana.

2. Also called cayenne whist.  (lowercase) a variety of whist played with two full packs of 52 cards each.

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Cayenne British  

/ keɪˈɛn /

noun

1. the capital of French Guiana, on an island at the mouth of the Cayenne River: French penal settlement from 1854 to 1938. Pop: 50 594 (1999)

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Other Word Forms

• cayenned adjective

Etymology

Origin of cayenne

1750–60; short for cayenne pepper, formerly cayan < Tupi kyinha, but long associated with Cayenne

Example Sentences

Some Rams players reportedly put cayenne pepper in their socks to keep the heat in their feet.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s an espresso latte with miso corn syrup, cayenne, and salt, for a creamy drink with depth and a hint of a kick.

From Salon

A hit of Worcestershire deepens the savoriness, and a dusting of cayenne on the finished dish offers a quiet jolt, just enough to make you notice it.

From Salon

Her family’s version of gumbo starts with chicken thighs, which are seasoned with paprika, cayenne, oregano and salt.

From Salon

The rainbow carrots were roasted to perfection with a slightly charred exterior and a visible spice mix of paprika, cayenne, and other spices.

From Salon