star anise

American  

noun

1. Also called Chinese anise.  a shrub or small tree, Illicium verum, of China, having white flowers that turn purple and bearing anise-scented, star-shaped clusters of carminative fruit.

2. the fruit of this tree or shrub, used as a spice.

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star anise British  

noun

1. a small Chinese evergreen tree ( Illicium verum ) yielding an aromatic oil

2. a spice produced from the star-shaped dried seed pods of this tree

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Etymology

Origin of star anise

First recorded in 1830–40

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 • Sep. 29, 2024

While each jar contains a spicy crimson sediment under oil, some have the sweetness of star anise, while others are deepened with tiny dried shrimp or fried shallots.

From New York Times • Apr. 5, 2024

Start with a spiced, citrus base, made with lemon peels muddled with brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, star anise, black peppercorns and tea leaves.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 10, 2023

The minimalist bottles outline flavor profiles: Their rum alternative, for instance, promises notes of Madagascar vanilla, molasses, star anise, ripe banana and bitter orange.

From Washington Times • Jun. 28, 2023

When he let go, a tiny star anise danced in her palm.

From "The Marvellers" by Dhonielle Clayton