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

   2. these substances collectively

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

3. rare,  a small amount

4. dialect,  confectionery

verb

1. to prepare or flavour (food) with spices

2. to introduce charm or zest into

Other Word Forms

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

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

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

Idioms and Phrases

see variety is the spice of life.

Example Sentences

In a country that is near-devotional about pumpkin spice lattes, 12-foot skeletons and football season, pumpkin stylists are in high demand.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Known for its spices and beautiful beaches, Zanzibar is the birthplace of the president -- "Mama" as her supporters call her -- but she is taking no chances ahead of Wednesday's election.

Read more on Barron's

The U.S. wants to reduce its dependence on rare earth, which UBS calls the “spice” of industry.

Read more on Barron's

Such good food — brimming with fresh ingredients, vibrant spices and, most importantly, love — was commonplace in Selvaraju’s household, both during the holidays and outside of them.

Read more on Salon

I’m guided down a wood-flanked hallway, an array of around 80 spices and herbs displayed in large jars at its end.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• salt 
• seasoning