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

On Sundays, I get a whole bunch of turmeric, ginger, lemons and apples and then put on gloves — because the turmeric will turn your fingers orange — peel them all up and bake my own ginger shots for the week because I’m cheap and can’t stand spending $5 on them at Erewhon.

From Los Angeles Times

I opted for stews and soups infused with spices such as ginger, turmeric and cinnamon, particularly Harrington’s red lentil dal recipe.

From Los Angeles Times

If you watch TV, you might catch him pitching Qunol turmeric gummies.

From Los Angeles Times

I often serve this with my mother’s special turmeric chicken, made with thighs and breasts.

From Salon

These dishes capture my love for flavors like saffron, pomegranate molasses, turmeric, Omani lemons and fresh herbs.

From Salon