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

Then last but not least, I like the Turmeric Mango.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 30, 2026

A: Turmeric milk, also called golden milk, is a time-honored remedy from the Ayurvedic tradition.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 15, 2023

In the same vein as TJ's Organic Ginger Turmeric Herbal Tea, TJ's Organic Herbal Supplement is a great drink to enjoy both in sickness and in health.

From Salon • Dec. 14, 2022

Turmeric root, a plant in the ginger family that is native to Southeast Asia and long used in the ayurvedic medical practices of India, can also reduce inflammation.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 31, 2022

Turmeric, the root of a plant called Curcuma longa, a native of the East Indies, used as a yellow dye.

From A Treatise on Domestic Economy For the Use of Young Ladies at Home and at School by Beecher, Catharine Esther