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

MA’S voice floats up from downstairs, along with the scents of cinnamon and sugar.

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No singing, no jam, no birthday parties—but at least there was still porridge, and it was warm, too, with a dusting of cinnamon on top.

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“I do so love the taste of cinnamon. Now wash your hands and put on your coats, quick quick! We have an exciting day in store.”

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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.

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A spoonful of brown sugar becomes caramel as it melts; diced apples collapse into little pockets of warmth; cinnamon laces the air with something almost nostalgic.

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