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First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English mostard(e), mustart, from Old French mostarde, moustarde, a relish originally made of mustard seed and must, equivalent to moust + -arde; must ², -ard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

Saag is a curry of leafy greens, including chard, mustard greens and spinach.

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“The Bible tells us faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains,” he continued.

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Ms Shemirani's mother tried to blame medical staff for her daughter's death and has previously labelled chemotherapy as "mustard gas".

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

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The meal began with my favorite dish of the night: bone marrow with short rib marmalade, pickled mustard seeds, watercress salad, and crispy baguette.

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Related Words

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