lic·o·rice 
(lĭkər-ĭsh, lĭkrĭsh, -ər-ĭs)
(lĭkər-ĭsh, lĭkrĭsh, -ər-ĭs)n.
1.
a. A Mediterranean perennial plant (Glycyrrhiza glabra) of the pea family, having blue flowers, pinnately compound leaves, and a sweet, distinctively flavored root.
b. The root of this plant, used as a flavoring in candy, liqueurs, tobacco, and medicines.
c. Any of various similar plants.
2.
a. A confection made from or flavored with the licorice root.
b. A chewy confection made from sugar and corn syrup with the addition of various flavorings, often manufactured in long flexible tubes.
[Middle English licoris, from Old French, from Late Latin liquirītia, alteration (influenced by Latin liquēre, to flow) of Latin glycyrrhiza, root of licorice, from Greek glukurrhiza : glukus, sweet + rhiza, root; see wrād- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.]