curcuma

[ kur-kyoo-muh ]

noun

1. any of various chiefly Old World plants belonging to the genus Curcuma, of the ginger family, as C. domestica, yielding turmeric, or C. zedoaria, yielding zedoary.

curcuma

/ ˈkɜːkjʊmə /

noun

1. any tropical Asian tuberous plant of the genus Curcuma, such as C. longa, which is the source of turmeric, and C. zedoaria, which is the source of zedoary: family Zingiberaceae

Word History and Origins

Origin of curcuma¹

1610–20; < New Latin < Arabic kurkum saffron, turmeric; crocus

Word History and Origins

Origin of curcuma¹

C17: from New Latin, from Arabic kurkum turmeric

Example Sentences

Turmeric spice comes from another plant part — the rhizomes, or underground stems, of the flowering plant Curcuma longa.

From Salon

A: Turmeric, an underground stem from a plant called Curcuma longa, has a wide range of potential health benefits.

From Seattle Times

Turmeric comes from the root of a plant in the ginger family, Curcuma longa, and contains a chemical compound, curcumin, that has long been used in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine.

From New York Times

Sliced open, or dried into a spice, the Curcuma longa plant imparts its amber color and earthy, bitter flavor to food like curry.

From New York Times

The Mango Curcuma mixes mango and turmeric in a softer way with hints of mango, and turmeric but more dark chocolate forward.

From Washington Times