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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 notes

In 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

Word forms

turmerics plural

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Test yourself on “turmeric” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

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Can you complete this real example?

_____ 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").

Origin: Old French

Rhymes for turmeric

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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.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial