sweet cicely

noun

1. any of several plants, as a European plant, Myrrhis odorata, of the parsley family, used as a potherb, or certain related North American plants of the genus Osmorhiza.

sweet cicely

noun

1. Also called: myrrh. an aromatic umbelliferous European plant, Myrrhis odorata, having compound leaves and clusters of small white flowers

2. the leaves of this plant, formerly used in cookery for their flavour of aniseed

3. any of various plants of the umbelliferous genus Osmorhiza, of Asia and America, having aromatic roots and clusters of small white flowers

Word History and Origins

Origin of sweet cicely¹

First recorded in 1660–70

Example Sentences

Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall recommends pairing rhubarb with sweet cicely: “As well as adding a lovely, aromatic edge to a dish, the aniseedy leaves make tart fruits seem sweeter, which means you can use less sugar.”

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A sweet cicely leaf sits on every bread-and-butter plate at Copine, alongside a warm, glossy roll that is freckled with thyme.

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Be sure you know the difference between sweet cicely and the poisonous water hemlock before tasting the former's spicy root.

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The logo design incorporates a sprig of sweet cicely.

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Graceful in gesture, with delicate, fernlike leaves and anise-scented roots that children, like rabbits, delight to nibble, the sweet cicely attracts attention by its fragrance, however insignificant its flowers.

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