Turmeric

Pronunciation

• US IPA: /ˈtɜɹ.məɹ.ɪk/, ˈtʰɝ.mɚɹ.ɪk or IPA: /ˈtuː.məɹ.ɪk/, ˈtÊ°u.mɚɹ.ɪk
• UK IPA: /ˈtɜːməɹɪk/ or IPA: /ˈtuːməɹɪk/
• also IPA: /ˈtjuːməɹɪk/, /ˈtuː.mɛɚ(ɹ).ɪk/

Origin

From Middle English
early modern English turmeryte, tarmaret, of uncertain origin. Possibly from Middle French terremérite ("worthy earth").

Online Etymology Dictionary

Dictionary.com

Full definition of turmeric

Noun

1. An Indian plant, , with aromatic rhizomes, part of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae).
2. The pulverized rhizome of the turmeric plant, used for stimulation, flavoring and to add a bright yellow color to food.
3. A yellow to reddish-brown dye extracted from the turmeric plant.

Synonyms

• E100

Derived terms

• turmeric acid
• turmeric paper
• turmeric root

Related terms

• curcuma