cinnamon

[ sin-uh-muhn ]

noun

1. the aromatic inner bark of any of several East Indian trees belonging to the genus Cinnamonum, of the laurel family, especially the bark of C. zeylanicum Ceylon cinnamon, used as a spice, or that of C. loureirii Saigon cinnamon, used in medicine as a cordial and carminative.
2. a tree yielding such bark.
3. any allied or similar tree.
4. a common culinary spice of dried rolled strips of this bark, often made into a powder.
5. cassia ( def 1 ).
6. a yellowish or reddish brown.

adjective

1. (of food) containing or flavored with cinnamon.
2. reddish-brown or yellowish-brown.

cinnamon

/ ˈsɪnəmən; ˌsɪnəˈmɒnɪk /

noun

1. a tropical Asian lauraceous tree, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, having aromatic yellowish-brown bark
2. the spice obtained from the bark of this tree, used for flavouring food and drink
3. Saigon cinnamon
   an E Asian lauraceous tree, Cinnamomum loureirii, the bark of which is used as a cordial and to relieve flatulence
4. any of several similar or related trees or their bark See cassia
5. 1. a light yellowish brown
   2. (as modifier)

      a cinnamon coat

Derived Forms

• cinˈnamic, adjective

Other Words From

• cinna·moned adjective
• cin·na·mon·ic [sin-, uh, -, mon, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of cinnamon¹

1400–50; < Latin < Late Greek kínnamon < Semitic (compare Hebrew qinnāmōn ); replacing late Middle English cinamome < Middle French < Latin cinnamōmum < Greek kinnámōmon < Semitic as above

Word History and Origins

Origin of cinnamon¹

C15: from Old French cinnamome, via Latin and Greek, from Hebrew qinnamown

Example Sentences

The latest announcement comes after the FDA issued a public health alert back in March on six brands of cinnamon products that had elevated levels of lead and chromium.

From Salon

Colonna Brothers of North Bergen, N.J., recalled 1.5-ounce Ground Cinnamon and 2.25-ounce Supreme Tradition Ground Cinnamon distributed nationwide and through mail order.

From Salon

Colonna said it also ceased production and distribution of all cinnamon.

From Salon

Additionally, El Chilar Rodriguez of Apopka, Fla., recalled 127 cases of El Chilar Ground Cinnamon “Canela Molida” sold in 1.25-ounce bags, distributed by La Raza of Forestville, Md. and sold at retail stores throughout Maryland.

From Salon

The FDA has advised consumers to throw away or not purchase the at-risk ground cinnamon products.

From Salon