galangal

[ guh-lang-guhl ]

noun

1. the aromatic rhizome of certain eastern Asian plants belonging to the genus Alpinia, of the ginger family, used medicinally and in Southeast Asian cuisine.

galangal

/ ɡəˈlæŋɡəl /

noun

1. another name for galingale
2. a zingiberaceous plant, Alpinia officinarum, of China and the East Indies
3. the pungent aromatic root of this plant, dried and used as a seasoning and in medicine

Word History and Origins

Origin of galangal¹

First recorded in 1500–10, in the sense “aromatic rhizome of the genus Cyperus ”; variant spelling of galingale

Example Sentences

The tom kha soup, served in a large silver bowl over a small flame, . is rich with coconut milk and bright with lemongrass, lime and galangal.

From Los Angeles Times

And just limeade and galangal soda, no alcohol, are available, too.

From Seattle Times

Of the 40 tools we analyzed, 12 produced a range of spices including turmeric, ginger, fingerroot, sand ginger, galangal, clove, nutmeg and cinnamon.

From Salon

Traces of eight spices were found: turmeric, ginger, fingerroot, sand ginger, galangal, clove, nutmeg and cinnamon.

From Scientific American

Where to Buy: Fresh turmeric, galangal, makrut lime leaves and shrimp paste can be found at Asian markets.

From Washington Post