turmeric

[tur-mer-ik]

noun

the aromatic rhizome of an Asian plant, Curcuma domestica (or C. longa), of the ginger family.
a powder prepared from it, used as a condiment, as in curry powder, or as a yellow dye, a medicine, etc.
the plant itself.

any of various similar substances or plants.

Origin of turmeric

1530–40; earlier tarmaret < Medieval Latin terra merita merited earth, unexplained name for curcuma

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for turmeric

Contemporary Examples of turmeric

This is exciting because it seems that this turmeric compound can enhance the characteristics of NSCs.
Fish Oil, Turmeric, and Ginseng, Oh My! Are ‘Brain Foods’ B.S.?
Dr. Anand Veeravagu, MD
October 10, 2014
Turmeric is just the latest in a long line of “brain foods.”
Fish Oil, Turmeric, and Ginseng, Oh My! Are ‘Brain Foods’ B.S.?
Dr. Anand Veeravagu, MD
October 10, 2014
Turmeric is a household spice in South Asia and a common ingredient in many curries.
Fish Oil, Turmeric, and Ginseng, Oh My! Are ‘Brain Foods’ B.S.?
Dr. Anand Veeravagu, MD
October 10, 2014
Turmeric could have important abilities in healing and preventing brain damage—or this could be an aberrant finding.
Fish Oil, Turmeric, and Ginseng, Oh My! Are ‘Brain Foods’ B.S.?
Dr. Anand Veeravagu, MD
October 10, 2014
Snoring—Take a cup of warm milk and mix in a tsp of Turmeric powder.
Use These 15 Home Remedies Based On Ayurveda To Cure Menstrual Cramps, Hangovers, and Indigestion
Ari Meisel
January 21, 2014

Historical Examples of turmeric

You may then put it in glasses or dishes, and colour with turmeric.
The Lady's Own Cookery Book, and New Dinner-Table Directory;
Charlotte Campbell Bury
The coriander and turmeric may have to be purchased at a drug store.
The Khaki Kook Book
Mary Kennedy Core
Turmeric powder as a cosmetic wash for the face is also not in vogue.
Castes and Tribes of Southern India
Edgar Thurston
The two now have their hands and feet anointed with turmeric, and are bathed.
Castes and Tribes of Southern India
Edgar Thurston
Or they are bathed in turmeric water, which they pour over each other.
Castes and Tribes of Southern India
Edgar Thurston

British Dictionary definitions for turmeric

turmeric

noun

a tropical Asian zingiberaceous plant, Curcuma longa, having yellow flowers and an aromatic underground stem
the powdered stem of this plant, used as a condiment and as a yellow dye
any of several other plants with similar roots

Word Origin for turmeric

C16: from Old French terre merite, from Medieval Latin terra merita, literally: meritorious earth, name applied for obscure reasons to curcuma

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

Word Origin and History for turmeric

pungent powder made from the root of an East Indian plant, 1530s, from Middle English turmeryte (early 15c.), of uncertain origin, perhaps from Middle French terremérite "saffron," from Medieval Latin terra merita, literally "worthy earth," though the reason why it would be called this is obscure.