star anise

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noun

Also called Chinese anise. a shrub or small tree, Illicium verum, of China, having white flowers that turn purple and bearing anise-scented, star-shaped clusters of carminative fruit.

the fruit of this tree or shrub, used as a spice.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of star anise

First recorded in 1830–40

Words nearby star anise

staple, staple gun, stapler, stapling, star, star anise, star apple, Stara Zagora, starboard, starburst, Star Carr

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use star anise in a sentence

Louie said he assumed that everything except the salad could be, but they both questioned the housemade pickles seasoned with star anise.
Date Lab: They had ‘fun hair,’ fondue and a shared love of archaeology|Damona Hoffman|August 26, 2021|Washington Post
Their fried rice sets the bar for the staple in Washington, made as it is with duck breast — rubbed with spices including star anise and coriander and cold-smoked with tea leaves — and confit duck legs.
At Lucky Danger, two talented chefs just want to have fun with their American Chinese food|Tom Sietsema|March 19, 2021|Washington Post
Reduce the heat to medium and add the cloves, star anise and cinnamon.
An aromatic chicken soup to restore the body and revive the spirit|Olga Massov|January 7, 2021|Washington Post
Fennel, star anise, and licorice all add a nice natural sweetness, but they’re strong, so use them sparingly.
Mix your own delicious herbal tea using leftover spices|By Kristy Mucci/Saveur|December 4, 2020|Popular-Science

Former Red Sox star Curt Schilling says his politics are keeping him out of Cooperstown.
Conservative Curt Says His Politics, Not His Pitching, Kept Him Out of the Hall of Fame|Ben Jacobs|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST
It was seen by a small delegation of star-struck prelates and dignitaries who later described the film as “moving.”
Pope Francis Has the Pleasure of Meeting Angelina Jolie for a Few Seconds|Barbie Latza Nadeau|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
I just recently rewatched all six Star Wars movies the other day… Oh wow, from the beginning?
Patton Oswalt on Fighting Conservatives With Satire|William O’Connor|January 6, 2015|DAILY BEAST
The star announces he is to marry his 27-year-old boyfriend.
Meet Stephen Fry’s Future Husband (Who Is Less Than Half His Age)|Tom Sykes|January 6, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Real Housewives of New Jersey star Teresa Giudice turned herself in to serve a 15-month sentence for bankruptcy fraud.
How a ‘Real Housewife’ Survives Prison: ‘I Don’t See [Teresa Giudice] Having a Cakewalk Here’|Michael Howard|January 6, 2015|DAILY BEAST
I had no idea who they were, as the Grand Duke was in morning costume, and had no star or decoration to distinguish him.
Music-Study in Germany|Amy Fay
When rapidly deposited, as by artificial precipitation, triple phosphate often takes feathery, star- or leaf-like forms.
A Manual of Clinical Diagnosis|James Campbell Todd
She liked him less than ever, nevertheless wished that he were her brother and the rising star in American politics.
Ancestors|Gertrude Atherton
According to a weekly paper not only is Constance Binney a famous screen star, but she is also a first-class ukelele player.
Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 158, April 28, 1920|Various
I do not quite agree with the 'Star' as to the Fire-crest not being "very uncommon," though it occasionally occurs.
Birds of Guernsey (1879)|Cecil Smith

British Dictionary definitions for star anise

star anise

noun

a small Chinese evergreen tree (Illicium verum) yielding an aromatic oil

a spice produced from the star-shaped dried seed pods of this tree

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