turmeric
/ˈtəːmərɪk
/noun [mass noun]
1A bright yellow aromatic powder obtained from the rhizome of a plant of the ginger family, used for flavouring and colouring in Asian cooking and formerly as a fabric dye.American mustard, as applied to hot dogs, is generally very mild and coloured bright yellow with turmeric....
- A member of the ginger family, turmeric treats mild osteoarthritis pain and inflammation.
- White curries obtain their milky yellow color from turmeric powder and are mild and lightly spiced.
2The Asian plant from which turmeric is obtained.
- Curcuma longa, family Zingiberaceae.
- The colors were made naturally from plants such as pandanus and turmeric.
- The new crop of turmeric has started arriving in the market.
Origin
Late Middle English (earlier as tarmaret): perhaps from French terre mérite and modern Latin terra merita, literally 'deserving earth', or perhaps an alteration of an oriental word.