tamarind

American  

[tam-uh-rind] / ˈtæm ə rɪnd /

noun

1. the pod of a large, tropical tree, Tamarindus indica, of the legume family, containing seeds enclosed in a juicy acid pulp that is used in beverages and food.

2. the tree itself.

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tamarind British  

/ ˈtæmərɪnd /

noun

1. a leguminous tropical evergreen tree, Tamarindus indica, having pale yellow red-streaked flowers and brown pulpy pods, each surrounded by a brittle shell

2. the acid fruit of this tree, used as a food and to make beverages and medicines

3. the wood of this tree

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Etymology

Origin of tamarind

1525–35; < Medieval Latin tamarindus ≪ Arabic tamr hindī literally, Indian date

Example Sentences

Swirls of coconut, tamarind, chamoy and cucumber are dusted with lime chili flakes, creating a deeply complex candy experience.

From Salon

So any souring agent, whether it's tamarind or pomegranate paste or lemons or vinegar is so vital in anything I cook.

From Salon

She immediately earned accolades, and not just for beers with Mexican flavors — tamarind, Mexican chocolate, chile.

From Los Angeles Times

Hardly a week goes by without using saffron, turmeric, pomegranate molasses, tamarind, cinnamon, or sumac in my cooking.

From Salon

“I perceived a tamarind heaving up the earth,” he wrote, and he planted Hautboy Strawberries.

From Seattle Times