tamarind

American  

[tam-uh-rind] / ˈtæm ə rɪnd /

noun

1. the pod of a large, tropical tree, Tamarindus indica, of the legume family, containing seeds enclosed in a juicy acid pulp that is used in beverages and food.

2. the tree itself.

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tamarind British  

/ ˈtæmərɪnd /

noun

1. a leguminous tropical evergreen tree, Tamarindus indica, having pale yellow red-streaked flowers and brown pulpy pods, each surrounded by a brittle shell

2. the acid fruit of this tree, used as a food and to make beverages and medicines

3. the wood of this tree

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Etymology

Origin of tamarind

1525–35; < Medieval Latin tamarindus ≪ Arabic tamr hindī literally, Indian date

Example Sentences

By the time you’re invited to nibble the pulp off seeds straight from a tamarind pod, a palate cleanser before dessert, you may have forgotten that the island you’re on is Manhattan.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 30, 2026

As a child, on days when rice was scarce, he would forage with his family for snails in the paddy fields, which would be cooked in a savoury tamarind sauce.

From BBC • Jun. 27, 2025

So any souring agent, whether it's tamarind or pomegranate paste or lemons or vinegar is so vital in anything I cook.

From Salon • Dec. 10, 2024

She immediately earned accolades, and not just for beers with Mexican flavors — tamarind, Mexican chocolate, chile.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 16, 2024

Neel threw his sister one last desperate look before racing toward the tamarind tree.

From "Tiger Boy" by Mitali Perkins