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View synonyms for spice

spice

[spahys]

noun

  1. any of a class of pungent or aromatic substances of vegetable origin, as pepper, cinnamon, or cloves, used as seasoning, preservatives, etc.

  2. such substances collectively or as material.

    Cookies without spice can be tasteless.

  3. a spicy or aromatic odor or fragrance.

  4. something that gives zest.

    a spice of humor in his solemnity.

  5. a piquant, interesting element or quality; zest; piquancy.

    The anecdotes lent spice to her talk.

    Synonyms: charm, interest, zing
  6. Archaic.,  a small quantity of something; trace; bit.



verb (used with object)

spiced, spicing 
  1. to prepare or season with a spice or spices.

  2. to give zest, piquancy, or interest to by something added.

Trademark.
  1. Spice. a brand name for a synthetic cannabis compound.

spice

/ spaɪs /

noun

    1. any of a variety of aromatic vegetable substances, such as ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, used as flavourings

    2. these substances collectively

  1. something that represents or introduces zest, charm, or gusto

  2. rare,  a small amount

  3. dialect,  confectionery

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

verb

  1. to prepare or flavour (food) with spices

  2. to introduce charm or zest into

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Other Word Forms

  • spiceable adjective
  • spiceless adjective
  • spicelike adjective
  • overspice verb
  • respice verb (used with object)
  • unspiced adjective
  • well-spiced adjective
  • spicer noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of spice1

1175–1225; (noun) Middle English, aphetic form of Old French espice ( French épice ) from Latin speciēs “appearance, sort, kind” ( species ), in Late Latin (plural): “goods, wares, spices, drugs”; (verb) Middle English spicen, in part derivative of the noun, in part from Old French espicer, derivative of espice
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Word History and Origins

Origin of spice1

C13: from Old French espice, from Late Latin speciēs (pl) spices, from Latin speciēs (sing) kind; also associated with Late Latin spīcea (unattested) fragrant herb, from Latin spīceus having spikes of foliage; see spica
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Idioms and Phrases

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

For 87 years, this Texas smokehouse has offered one thing: whole hickory-smoked turkeys with a spice rub passed down from the owners’ Polish family.

Almost always, though, a good Chenin Blanc offers refreshingly bright acidity and aromas of pear, green apple and spice ideal for this often-weighty meal.

On the company’s marketed Red Cup Day, customers who order a holiday-themed beverage, such as the popular pumpkin spice latte, receive a free limited-edition reusable red cup.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Rare earths comprise more than a dozen elements that UBS calls the “spice” of industry.

Read more on Barron's

Some call them a "traffic light system"; critics have likened them to Nando's spice cards.

Read more on BBC

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