condiment
[kon-duh-muh nt]
- something used to give a special flavor to food, as mustard, ketchup, salt, or spices.
Show More
Origin of condiment
1400–50; late Middle English < Middle French < Latin condīmentum spice, equivalent to condī(re) to season + -mentum -ment
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for condiment
Contemporary Examples
Best eaten with strong, spicy harissa as a condiment, to counter the fattiness of the meat.
Not so much a dish but a condiment suited for almost any meal, salsa verde would have to be one of the tastiest condiments.
Historical Examples
Perhaps there was some speciality in the condiment in the salt-cellars.
The Innocence of Father BrownG. K. Chesterton
Salt is the condiment to use with them, but sugar is allowable.
The Complete BachelorWalter Germain
It is said to have been in use by the ancients both as a condiment and a medicine.
A Garden with House AttachedSarah Warner Brooks
Hot water is the chief ingredient, and pepper the condiment.
The Gastronomic Regenerator:Alexis Soyer
It is not used to make an infusion; the leaf is prepared for use as a condiment.
A Civil Servant in BurmaHerbert Thirkel White
condiment
- any spice or sauce such as salt, pepper, mustard, etc
Show More
Word Origin
C15: from Latin condīmentum seasoning, from condīre to pickle
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for condiment
n.
early 15c., from Old French condiment (13c.), from Latin condimentum "spice, seasoning, sauce," from condire "to preserve, pickle, season," variant of condere "to put away, store," from com- "together" (see com-) + -dere comb. form meaning "to put, place," from dare "to give" (see date (n.1)).
Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper