turmeric

American  

[tur-mer-ik, too-, tyoo-] / ˈtɜr mər ɪk, ˈtu-, ˈtju- /

noun

1. the aromatic rhizome of an Asian plant, Curcuma domestica (orC. longa ), of the ginger family.

2. a powder prepared from it, used as a condiment, as in curry powder, or as a yellow dye, a medicine, etc.

3. the plant itself.

4. any of various similar substances or plants.

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turmeric British  

/ ˈtɜːmərɪk /

noun

1. a tropical Asian zingiberaceous plant, Curcuma longa , having yellow flowers and an aromatic underground stem

2. the powdered stem of this plant, used as a condiment and as a yellow dye

3. any of several other plants with similar roots

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Etymology

Origin of turmeric

First recorded in 1530–40; alteration of earlier tarmaret, late Middle English termerite, turmerite; akin to Medieval Latin terra merita, French terre-mérite, literally “merited earth,” an unexplained name for curcuma ( def. )

Explanation

Turmeric is a plant that's related to ginger and is commonly used in cooking. The turmeric used as a spice is made by grinding and drying the root of the turmeric plant. When a recipe calls for ground turmeric, you'll reach for a bright yellow powder with a mustard-like smell. Turmeric adds this hue to the dishes it's included in, as well as a slightly bitter flavor. It's used in a wide variety of dishes world-wide, although it's particularly common in South and East Asian foods like Indian curries, Vietnamese bánh xèo, and Thai turmeric soup. Some experts believe turmeric comes from the Medieval Latin terra merita, or "worthy earth."

Example Sentences

Some nights I lean toward spice, blooming coriander, cumin, turmeric and red pepper flakes alongside frozen ginger and garlic cubes.

From Salon • Jul. 4, 2026

Researchers figured out how to make convincing replicas of its red, orange and yellow candies using natural ingredients like beets and turmeric.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 18, 2026

Sprinkle in the turmeric powder and red chili powder.

From Salon • Jun. 7, 2026

"It's very hard to keep China out of play," said Sharma whose firm Haldy's turmeric mints and packaging are produced in China.

From BBC • Feb. 25, 2026

Cut the shirt off’ my girl Clean the wounds with witch hazel and pack them with turmeric.

From "An Ember in the Ashes" by Sabaa Tahir