star anise

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.

star anise

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of star anise¹

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

Louie said he assumed that everything except the salad could be, but they both questioned the housemade pickles seasoned with star anise.

From Washington Post

Their fried rice sets the bar for the staple in Washington, made as it is with duck breast — rubbed with spices including star anise and coriander and cold-smoked with tea leaves — and confit duck legs.

From Washington Post

Reduce the heat to medium and add the cloves, star anise and cinnamon.

From Washington Post

Fennel, star anise, and licorice all add a nice natural sweetness, but they’re strong, so use them sparingly.

From Popular-Science

Flavors of red plums, juniper, and star anise make it the perfect holiday party red to go with cheeses or chocolate truffles.

From The Daily Beast

Poudre de Neptune (dill, fennel, star anise, seaweed) is by far the most-used seasoning in my kitchen.

From The Daily Beast

The capsule assumes a screw-like form in Helicteres, and a star-like form in star-anise (Illicium anisatum).

From Project Gutenberg

Magnified section through the thickness of a leaf of Florida Star-Anise.

From Project Gutenberg