turmeric

noun

tur·​mer·​ic ˈtər-mə-rik 

 also  ˈtü-mə-,

 or  ˈtyü-

1

: an Indian perennial herb (Curcuma longa synonym C. domestica) of the ginger family with a large aromatic yellow rhizome

2

: the boiled, dried, and usually ground rhizome of the turmeric plant used as a coloring agent, a flavoring, or a stimulant

3

: a yellow to reddish-brown dyestuff obtained from turmeric

Examples of turmeric in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Gujarati dal, with its sunny turmeric color and a flavor that was equal parts bright, spicy and sweet, was equally as good. —The Enquirer, 12 Apr. 2024

Combine the lemon juice, ½ cup olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon and red pepper flakes in a large bowl, then whisk to combine. —Sam Sifton, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Mar. 2024

If my notes included emojis, a red heart would have summed up the sensation of eating the mantu, their centers warm with cumin, turmeric and other spices. —Tom Sietsema, Washington Post, 22 Dec. 2023

Stir in garam masala, coriander, cumin and turmeric; cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. —Sabrina Weiss, Peoplemag, 23 Mar. 2024

My latest take on this saucy combination was born on one of those blustery nights, when the idea of adding warm spices like cinnamon, cardamom and turmeric to the tomatoes struck me as self-care. —Melissa Clark, New York Times, 20 Mar. 2024

Give it a shake before drinking, since turmeric and ginger tend to settle. —Rita Nader Heikenfeld, The Enquirer, 12 Jan. 2024

While blue honors Krishna, red represents love and fertility, yellow signifies turmeric, and green symbolizes nature and new beginnings. —The Arizona Republic, 21 Mar. 2024

Taking turmeric doesn’t normally cause side effects for most people. —Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 14 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English turmeryte

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

turmeric

noun

tur·​mer·​ic ˈtər-mə-rik 

also

ˈtü-mə- 

ˈtyü-

1

: an Indian herb related to ginger and having a large yellow underground plant stem

2

: the boiled, dried, and usually ground underground plant stem of turmeric used especially as a flavoring or dye

Medical Definition

turmeric

noun

tur·​mer·​ic ˈtər-mə-rik 

variants also tumeric

ˈt(y)ü-mə- 

1

: an Indian perennial herb (Curcuma longa) of the ginger family with a large aromatic yellow rhizome

2

: the cleaned, boiled, dried, and usually ground rhizome of the turmeric plant used in dietary supplements and herbal remedies and as a spice see curcumin

3

: a yellow to reddish brown dyestuff obtained from turmeric