Cassia

Origin

From Latin cassia ("cinnamon"). Compare Kezia.

Full definition of cassia

Noun

1. (uncountable) The spice made from the bark of members of the genus Cinnamomum other than true cinnamon (C. verum), when they are distinguished from cinnamon.
2. (countable) Such trees themselves, particularly the Chinese cinnamon,
3. (countable) Any of several tropical leguminous plants, of the genus Cassia
4. (countable) Any of several tropical leguminous plants, of the genus Senna
5. (countable, in translation of Chinese) The sweet osmanthus (O. fragrans)

Usage notes

Cassia is typically marketed in American English as "cinnamon" but is typically distinguished from Sri Lankan cinnamon in Europe. The oil content of the bark of the Saigon cinnamon is actually superior to that of true cinnamon, but Chinese cassia and Indonesian cinnamon have somewhat less.

Sweet osmanthus and cassia were both formerly æ¡‚ in Chinese and the character is often translated as "cassia", owing to its greater importance in modern international trade; however, it is generally the sweet-smelling osmanthus that is meant.