sesame

[ses-uh-mee]

noun

1. a tropical, herbaceous plant, Sesamum indicum, whose small oval seeds are edible and yield an oil.

2. the seeds themselves, used to add flavor to bread, crackers, etc.

3. open sesame.

sesame

/ ˈsɛsəmɪ /

noun

1. a tropical herbaceous plant, Sesamum indicum, of the East Indies, cultivated, esp in India, for its small oval seeds: family Pedaliaceae

2. the seeds of this plant, used in flavouring bread and yielding an edible oil ( benne oil or gingili )

Word History and Origins

Origin of sesame¹

1400–50; < Greek sēsámē sesame plant ≪ Akkadian shamashshammū, derived from shaman shammī plant oil; replacing sesam, late Middle English sysane < Latin sēsamum < Greek sḗsamon sesame seed

Word History and Origins

Origin of sesame¹

C15: from Latin sēsamum, from Greek sēsamon, sēsamē, of Semitic origin; related to Arabic simsim

Example Sentences

The classic toasted sesame roll, drizzled with olive oil, and stuffed to the brim with meat, cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion — delicious.

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Under current regulations, food packaging in the UK and EU already lists the most common allergens for people to be aware of, such as egg, peanuts and sesame.

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Food packaging in the UK and EU already lists the most common allergens for people to be aware of, such as egg, peanuts and sesame.

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TJ’s take on a classic Vietnamese dish includes minced and fried shrimp and veggies that are generously seasoned with a blend of ginger, garlic, sesame oil and lemongrass.

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Also included is cooking oil, salt and tahini, or sesame paste.

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