noun
turmeric
TUR-m-rihk
Turmeric (noun) means a yellow-flowered plant related to ginger, grown for its aromatic underground stem. Example: “Turmeric grows well in warm, humid climates like southern India.”
noun
1
A yellow-flowered plant related to ginger, grown for its aromatic underground stem.
"Turmeric grows well in warm, humid climates like southern India."
2
The ground spice made from this plant's rhizome, used for flavor and its bright yellow color.
"A spoonful of turmeric gives the curry its deep golden hue."
How to use turmeric
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA bright yellow spice from the ginger family, common in curries and increasingly used in health drinks and supplements.
Common pairings
ground turmeric
turmeric root
turmeric latte
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Word forms
- Plural
- turmerics
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_____ grows well in warm, humid climates like southern India.
Etymology
From Middle English turmeryte, of uncertain origin — possibly from Arabic kurkum or a folk-adapted form of Old French terre mérite ("deserving earth").
Rhymes for turmeric
See all rhymes for turmeric →Frequently asked questions
What does “turmeric” mean?
The word “turmeric” means a yellow-flowered plant related to ginger, grown for its aromatic underground stem. In plain terms, a bright yellow spice from the ginger family, common in curries and increasingly used in health drinks and supplements.
How do you pronounce “turmeric”?
“Turmeric” is pronounced TUR-m-rihk (/ˈtɝ.mɚ.ɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “turmeric” in a sentence?
Here is “turmeric” used in a sentence: “Turmeric grows well in warm, humid climates like southern India.”
What part of speech is “turmeric”?
“Turmeric” is a noun.
Where does the word “turmeric” come from?
The word “turmeric” comes from Old French. From Middle English turmeryte, of uncertain origin — possibly from Arabic kurkum or a folk-adapted form of Old French terre mérite ("deserving earth").
How many meanings does “turmeric” have?
“Turmeric” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a yellow-flowered plant related to ginger, grown for its aromatic underground stem.
