mustard

[muhs-terd]

noun

1. a pungent powder or paste prepared from the seeds of certain mustard plants, used as a food seasoning or condiment, and medicinally in plasters, poultices, etc.

2. Botany.,  any of various cruciferous plants of the mustard family, noted for their acrid and pungent qualities and widely cultivated for culinary and agricultural purposes: among the most commercially important mustards are black mustard, brown mustard, and white mustard.

3. nitrogen mustard.

mustard

/ ˈmʌstəd /

noun

1. any of several Eurasian plants of the genus Brassica, esp black mustard and white mustard, having yellow or white flowers and slender pods and cultivated for their pungent seeds: family Brassicaceae (crucifers) See also charlock

2. a paste made from the powdered seeds of any of these plants and used as a condiment

3. 1. a brownish-yellow colour

   2. ( as adjective )

      a mustard carpet

4. slang,  zest or enthusiasm

5. slang,  to come up to expectations

Word History and Origins

Origin of mustard¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English mostard(e), mustart, from Old French mostarde, moustarde, a relish originally made of mustard seed and must, equivalent to moust + -arde; must ², -ard

Word History and Origins

Origin of mustard¹

C13: from Old French moustarde, from Latin mustum _must ², since the original condiment was made by adding must

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. cut the mustard, to reach or surpass the desired standard of performance.

   a pitcher who cuts the mustard with his fastball.

see cut the mustard.

Example Sentences

As for dressing, the kit includes an apple vinaigrette that’s made from apple cider vinegar, concentrated apple juice, Dijon mustard and a medley of spices.

Read more on Salon

See above, with added mustard of being taken apart by Head.

Read more on BBC

As they waited for the water to come to a boil, he assembled a truly excellent sliced apple, cheddar, and mustard sandwich, one that would have put Old Timothy’s best efforts to shame.

Read more on Literature

There were even a few of Penelope’s exact favorite type of sandwich: cheddar cheese with thinly sliced apple and a dab of mustard.

Read more on Literature

Cranberries from a family farm in New Jersey, flavored with orange juice, vanilla, dry white wine and the surprising pop of mustard seeds.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• dressing 
• gravy 
• horseradish 
• ketchup 
• pepper 
• relish 
• salsa 
• salt 
• sauce 
• seasoning 
• spice