galangal

American  

[guh-lang-guhl] / gəˈlæŋ gəl /

noun

1. the aromatic rhizome of certain eastern Asian plants belonging to the genus Alpinia, of the ginger family, used medicinally and in Southeast Asian cuisine.

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galangal British  

/ ɡəˈlæŋɡəl /

noun

1. another name for galingale

2. a zingiberaceous plant, Alpinia officinarum, of China and the East Indies

3. the pungent aromatic root of this plant, dried and used as a seasoning and in medicine

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Etymology

Origin of galangal

First recorded in 1500–10, in the sense “aromatic rhizome of the genus Cyperus ”; variant spelling of galingale

Example Sentences

The tom kha soup, served in a large silver bowl over a small flame, . is rich with coconut milk and bright with lemongrass, lime and galangal.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 25, 2023

Traces of eight spices were found: turmeric, ginger, fingerroot, sand ginger, galangal, clove, nutmeg and cinnamon.

From Scientific American • Jul. 21, 2023

Make the marinade: Put yogurt, turmeric powder, salt and galangal or ginger in a food processor, and blend until pureed.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 18, 2023

In the bowl of a food processor, combine the shallots, garlic, red and Thai chiles, turmeric, ginger, galangal, chopped lemongrass bulb, 2 tablespoons of coconut oil and shrimp paste, if using.

From Washington Post • Feb. 1, 2023

The plant is closely allied to Alpinia calcarata, the rhizome of which is sold in the bazaars of some parts of India as a sort of galangal.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 11, Slice 4 "G" to "Gaskell, Elizabeth" by Various