Cayenne

¹ 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 ² 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 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

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

Bread & butter pickles aren’t an ideal choice, but they could work for a spicier lemonade that incorporates cayenne pepper and jalapeños.

From Salon

Each kettle corn popcorn is generously coated in honey powder and hot cayenne pepper, providing the perfect balance of two bold flavors.

From Salon