turmeric

[ tur-mer-ik, too-, tyoo- ]

/ ˈtɜr mər ɪk, ˈtu-, ˈtyu- /

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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.

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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

Words nearby turmeric

Turk's-head cactus, Turku, turle knot, Turlock, turlough, turmeric, turmeric paper, turmoil, turn, turn a blind eye to, turnabout

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

How to use turmeric in a sentence

In India, aloo and channa is prepared differently, with a heavy hand of fresh ginger and tomatoes, along with turmeric, cumin and garam masala, among other spices, which give the dish more body and firepower.
Trinidad-style aloo and channa infuses an Indian classic with Caribbean flavor|Brigid Washington|January 22, 2021|Washington Post
Ginger and turmeric encouraged some of the dipping, lemongrass and a topper of Calabrian chiles even more of it.
Like a good neighbor, Pennyroyal Station is there for you|Tom Sietsema|January 22, 2021|Washington Post
This summer we were doing a lot of slushy cocktails made with things like freshly juiced turmeric and ginger, tamarind, coconut, lime, and tequila.
How to Bring This Portland Restaurant’s Colorful Outdoor Oasis to Your Home|Emma Orlow|October 30, 2020|Eater
These often include ground cumin, cardamom, and paprika, and sometimes cinnamon, turmeric, or an accent of nutmeg, allspice, or clove.
Turn a cheap chicken dinner into a Turkish street-food getaway|SAVEUR Editors|September 25, 2020|Popular-Science

It’s not uncommon for a dish to start with turmeric, red chile, cumin and coriander, and be finished with garam masala.
The Redemption of the Spice Blend|Jaya Saxena|September 10, 2020|Eater
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|DAILY BEAST
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|DAILY BEAST
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|DAILY BEAST
Every other day, it seems a new “brain food” is making headlines, the latest being turmeric.
Fish Oil, Turmeric, and Ginseng, Oh My! Are ‘Brain Foods’ B.S.?|Dr. Anand Veeravagu, MD|October 10, 2014|DAILY BEAST
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|DAILY BEAST
Butter is often colored with annatto, saffron, turmeric, marigold or coal-tar colors.
Detection of the Common Food Adulterants|Edwin M. Bruce
Add ammonia to the alcoholic extract, and if it turns brown it indicates the presence of turmeric.
Detection of the Common Food Adulterants|Edwin M. Bruce
Place a strip of turmeric paper in this solution for a few minutes, then remove and dry it.
Detection of the Common Food Adulterants|Edwin M. Bruce
If boric acid either free or combined is present, the turmeric paper will be turned to a cherry-red color.
Detection of the Common Food Adulterants|Edwin M. Bruce
Turmeric paper may be prepared by dipping pieces of smooth, thin filter paper in a solution of powdered turmeric in alcohol.
Detection of the Common Food Adulterants|Edwin M. Bruce

British Dictionary definitions for turmeric

turmeric

/ (ˈtɜːmərɪk) /

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