cinnamon

[sin-uh-muhn]

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.

adjective

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

2. reddish-brown or yellowish-brown.

cinnamon

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• cinnamoned adjective
• cinnamonic adjective
• cinnamic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of cinnamon¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of cinnamon¹

C15: from Old French cinnamome, via Latin and Greek, from Hebrew qinnamown

Example Sentences

Warm, cozy spices take center stage: brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, a little orange zest.

From Salon

The waffles’ autumnal rendition incorporates pumpkin purée and seasonal spices like cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg to create a warming sweet treat that embodies fall joy.

From Salon

A batter laced with cinnamon, nutmeg, a punch of allspice.

From Salon

The tonka bean’s robust scent comes from the presence of coumarin, a naturally occurring organic compound that’s also found in Cassia cinnamon and some licorice roots.

From Salon

For afternoon kickoffs, a soft pretzel tray with mustard or cinnamon dip goes a long way.

From Salon