turmeric

[ tur-mer-ik, too-, tyoo- ]

noun

1. the aromatic rhizome of an Asian plant, Curcuma domestica (or C. longa ), of the ginger family.
2. a powder prepared from it, used as a condiment, as in curry powder, or as a yellow dye, a medicine, etc.
3. the plant itself.
4. any of various similar substances or plants.

turmeric

/ ˈtɜːmərɪk /

noun

1. a tropical Asian zingiberaceous plant, Curcuma longa , having yellow flowers and an aromatic underground stem
2. the powdered stem of this plant, used as a condiment and as a yellow dye
3. any of several other plants with similar roots

Word History and Origins

Origin of turmeric¹

First recorded in 1530–40; alteration of earlier tarmaret, late Middle English termerite, turmerite; akin to Medieval Latin terra merita, French terre-mérite, literally “merited earth,” an unexplained name for curcuma ( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of turmeric¹

C16: from Old French terre merite , from Medieval Latin terra merita , literally: meritorious earth, name applied for obscure reasons to curcuma

Example Sentences

In India, aloo and channa is prepared differently, with a heavy hand of fresh ginger and tomatoes, along with turmeric, cumin and garam masala, among other spices, which give the dish more body and firepower.

From Washington Post

Ginger and turmeric encouraged some of the dipping, lemongrass and a topper of Calabrian chiles even more of it.

From Washington Post

This summer we were doing a lot of slushy cocktails made with things like freshly juiced turmeric and ginger, tamarind, coconut, lime, and tequila.

From Eater

These often include ground cumin, cardamom, and paprika, and sometimes cinnamon, turmeric, or an accent of nutmeg, allspice, or clove.

From Popular-Science

It’s not uncommon for a dish to start with turmeric, red chile, cumin and coriander, and be finished with garam masala.

From Eater

This is exciting because it seems that this turmeric compound can enhance the characteristics of NSCs.

From The Daily Beast

Turmeric is just the latest in a long line of “brain foods.”

From The Daily Beast

Turmeric is a household spice in South Asia and a common ingredient in many curries.

From The Daily Beast

Every other day, it seems a new “brain food” is making headlines, the latest being turmeric.

From The Daily Beast

Turmeric could have important abilities in healing and preventing brain damage—or this could be an aberrant finding.

From The Daily Beast

Butter is often colored with annatto, saffron, turmeric, marigold or coal-tar colors.

From Project Gutenberg

Add ammonia to the alcoholic extract, and if it turns brown it indicates the presence of turmeric.

From Project Gutenberg

Place a strip of turmeric paper in this solution for a few minutes, then remove and dry it.

From Project Gutenberg

If boric acid either free or combined is present, the turmeric paper will be turned to a cherry-red color.

From Project Gutenberg

Turmeric paper may be prepared by dipping pieces of smooth, thin filter paper in a solution of powdered turmeric in alcohol.

From Project Gutenberg