peppercorn

[pep-er-kawrn]

noun

1. the berry of the pepper plant, Piper nigrum, dried and used as a condiment, in pickling, etc.

2. anything very small or insignificant.

adjective

1. (of hair) growing in tight spirals.

peppercorn

/ ˈpɛpəˌkɔːn /

noun

1. the small dried berry of the pepper plant ( Piper nigrum )

2. something trifling

Other Word Forms

• peppercornish adjective
• peppercorny adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of peppercorn¹

before 1000; Middle English pepercorn; Old English piporcorn. See pepper, corn ¹

Example Sentences

We’re not here, after all, to organize salad ingredients or taste a sauce, even though we suddenly may find ourselves cheering a green peppercorn dressing with preserved lime.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Nestled among the béarnaise and peppercorn, there it is: horseradish.

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You can even freeze stock or broth with herbs already added — rosemary, thyme, a peppercorn or two — and drop it straight into the pot when it’s time to cook.

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The man I speak to is definitely still Heston - obsessing over the perfect peppercorn ratio - but now he's calm, focused, and self-aware.

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If you’re looking for more variety, you can try pickling strawberries with thyme, peppercorns and vinegar.

Read more on Salon