black pepper

black pepper

noun

Definition of BLACK PEPPER

: a spice that consists of the dried berry of an Indian vine ground with the black husk still on; also : the plant (Piper nigrum) that yields black pepper

First Known Use of BLACK PEPPER

before 12th century

black pepper

noun    (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of BLACK PEPPER

: a condiment that consists of the fruit of an East Indian plant of the genus Piper (P. nigrum) ground with the black husk still on

black pepper

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Perennial, woody climbing vine (Piper nigrum) of the family Piperaceae, native to India; also, the hotly pungent spice made from its berries. One of the earliest spices known, pepper is probably the most widely used spice in the world today. It early became an important article of overland trade between India and Europe. The plant is cultivated throughout Indonesia and has been introduced into tropical areas elsewhere. It has broad, shiny leaves and dense, slender spikes of small flowers. The small berrylike fruits are called peppercorns. See also pepper.

Variants of BLACK PEPPER

black pepper or pepper