Main Entry: lic·o·rice

Pronunciation: \ˈli-k(ə-)rish, -k(ə-)rəs\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English licorice, from Anglo-French licoris, from Late Latin liquiritia, alteration of Latin glycyrrhiza, from Greek glykyrrhiza, from glykys sweet + rhiza root — more at dulcet, root

Date: 13th century

1 a : the dried root of a European leguminous plant (Glycyrrhiza glabra) with pinnate leaves and spikes of blue flowers; also : an extract of this used especially in medicine, liquors, and confectionery b : a candy flavored with licorice or a substitute (as anise)
2 : a plant yielding licorice; also : a related plant