cardamom

[ kahr-duh-muhm ]

noun

1. the aromatic seed capsules of a tropical Asian plant, Elettaria cardamomum, of the ginger family, used as a spice or condiment and in medicine.
2. the plant itself.
3. a related plant, Amomum compactum, or its seeds, used as a substitute for true cardamom.

cardamom

/ ˈkɑːdəməm; ˈkɑːdəmən /

noun

1. a tropical Asian zingiberaceous plant, Elettaria cardamomum, that has large hairy leaves
2. the seeds of this plant, used esp as a spice or condiment
3. a related East Indian plant, Amomum cardamomum, whose seeds are used as a substitute for cardamom seeds

Word History and Origins

Origin of cardamom¹

1350–1400; Middle English (< Middle French ) < Latin cardamōmum < Greek kardámōnon, blend of kárdamon cress and ámōmon a spice plant

Word History and Origins

Origin of cardamom¹

C15: from Latin cardamōmum, from Greek kardamōmon, from kardamon cress + amōmon an Indian spice

Example Sentences

Timothy Sharp, manager of Sparrow Coffee House in Cardiff, makes his own homemade syrup, adding spices like cloves, cardamom and star anise to the core PSL ingredients of ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg.

From BBC

The famous Tirupati laddus - made with gram flour, sugar, cashews, raisins and cardamom and cooked in “pure cow ghee” – are prized by devotees who consider them god’s blessing and carry them back home to share with family and friends.

From BBC

When chef Meherwan Irani, a James Beard Award winner, envisions a White House led by Kamala Harris, he imagines something as distinct as the aroma of spices — cardamom, ginger, and a whisper of clove — drifting from the presidential kitchen.

From Salon

Cumin, coriander, cardamom, ginger represent the array of spices commonly found in Afghan cuisine, particularly at Lapis.

From Salon

The hilly district is known for its cardamom plantations and tea estates and has several popular tourist spots.

From BBC