cinnamon

American  

[sin-uh-muhn] / ˈsɪn ə mən /

noun

1. the aromatic inner bark of any of several East Indian trees belonging to the genus Cinnamonum, of the laurel family, especially the bark of C. zeylanicum Ceylon cinnamon, used as a spice, or that of C. loureirii Saigon cinnamon, used in medicine as a cordial and carminative.

2. a tree yielding such bark.

3. any allied or similar tree.

4. a common culinary spice of dried rolled strips of this bark, often made into a powder.

5. cassia.

6. a yellowish or reddish brown.

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adjective

1. (of food) containing or flavored with cinnamon.

2. reddish-brown or yellowish-brown.

cinnamon British  

/ ˈsɪnəmən, ˌsɪnəˈmɒnɪk /

noun

1. a tropical Asian lauraceous tree, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, having aromatic yellowish-brown bark

2. the spice obtained from the bark of this tree, used for flavouring food and drink

3. an E Asian lauraceous tree, Cinnamomum loureirii, the bark of which is used as a cordial and to relieve flatulence

4. any of several similar or related trees or their bark See cassia

5. 1. a light yellowish brown

   2. (as modifier)

      a cinnamon coat

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Other Word Forms

• cinnamic adjective
• cinnamoned adjective
• cinnamonic adjective

Etymology

Origin of cinnamon

1400–50; < Latin < Late Greek kínnamon < Semitic (compare Hebrew qinnāmōn ); replacing late Middle English cinamome < Middle French < Latin cinnamōmum < Greek kinnámōmon < Semitic as above

Example Sentences

Roasted apples, dusted with cinnamon and brown sugar, bring soft caramelized notes, while spoonfuls of apple butter introduce deep, sticky fruit flavor.

From Salon

If you want a more aromatic sauce, you can also add cinnamon or clove.

From Salon

It also incorporates a variety of toppings, such as shreds of TJ’s Unexpected Cheddar, dried apple chips with cinnamon, and crunchy pieces of pecan.

From Salon

On the stove, set a tiny simmer pot—some cinnamon sticks, citrus peel, a rosemary sprig, a splash of water—to give the house a soft, cozy scent without overwhelming the food.

From Salon

Rich, buttery pears can be enjoyed straight off the skillet, coated in a light dusting of ground cinnamon, or topped with a dollop of ice cream or whipped cream.

From Salon