noun

peppercorn

Peppercorn (noun) means the seeds of the pepper plant Piper nigrum, commonly used as a spice, usually ground or crushed.

noun

The seeds of the pepper plant Piper nigrum, commonly used as a spice, usually ground or crushed.

A small, insignificant quantity; a whit or jot.

A nominal consideration used to satisfy the requirements for the creation of a legal contract.

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Etymology

Inherited from Middle English peper corn, peper-corn, pepercorn, from Old English piporcorn (“peppercorn”), corresponding to pepper + corn. Compare Dutch peperkorrel (“peppercorn”), German Pfefferkorn (“peppercorn”), Danish peberkorn (“peppercorn”), Swedish pepparkorn (“peppercorn”), Icelandic piparkorn (“peppercorn”).

Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning of peppercorn?

"peppercorn" (noun) means the seeds of the pepper plant Piper nigrum, commonly used as a spice, usually ground or crushed.

What are the different meanings of peppercorn?

"peppercorn" has 3 main meanings: 1. The seeds of the pepper plant Piper nigrum, commonly used as a spice, usually ground or crushed; 2. A small, insignificant quantity; a whit or jot; 3. A nominal consideration used to satisfy the requirements for the creation of a legal contract.