asafoetida

/ ˌæsəˈfɛtɪdə /

noun

1. a bitter resin with an unpleasant onion-like smell, obtained from the roots of some umbelliferous plants of the genus Ferula: formerly used as a carminative, antispasmodic, and expectorant

Word History and Origins

Origin of asafoetida¹

C14: from Medieval Latin, from asa gum (compare Persian azā mastic) + Latin foetidus evil-smelling, fetid

Example Sentences

It was interesting to see how some of the cheftestants were totally unclear on certain Indian ingredients, such as jaggery or asafoetida.

From Salon

It even derives its name from that scent - asafoetida in Latin means "fetid gum".

From BBC

When the oil is hot, add the fennel seeds and asafoetida and lightly toast, shaking the pan occasionally, until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes.

From Seattle Times

Barely a pinch of asafoetida will flavour any dal or curry, but even a milligram more can add a bitterness that ruins everything.

From The Guardian

On the list were papaya, neem, asafoetida, figs, ginger, smartweed, wild yam, pennyroyal, black cohosh and angelica.

From Washington Times