asafetida

noun asa·fet·i·da \ ˌa-sə-ˈfe-tə-də , -ˈfē- ; Southern also -ˈfi-tə-dē \

variants: or asafoetida

|Updated on: 20 May 2018

Definition of asafetida

: the dried fetid gum resin of the root of several west Asian plants (genus Ferula) of the carrot family used as a flavoring especially in Indian cooking and formerly used in medicine especially as an antispasmodic and in folk medicine as a general prophylactic against disease

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Recent Examples of asafetida from the Web

Chaat masala is an otherworldly spice mixture in Indian cuisine often consisting of amchoor (dry mango powder), cumin, coriander, black salt (also known as kala namak), asafetida (sort of like Indian MSG), and chili powder.

— priya krishna, Bon Appetit, "The Indian Spice Mix I Put on Almond Butter Toast, and Everything Else Honestly," 7 May 2018
Add curry leaves, chiles, and asafetida (if using) and cook, stirring occasionally, until curry leaves are slightly darkened, about 45 seconds.

— Bon Appetit, "Chickpea Sundal," 19 June 2017
Add curry leaves, chiles, and asafetida (if using) and cook, stirring occasionally, until curry leaves are slightly darkened, about 45 seconds.

— Bon Appetit, "Chickpea Sundal," 19 June 2017
Chaat Masala Another blend, with cumin, coriander, dried ginger, black salt, pepper, amchoor (dried mango powder), asafetida, and more.

— kurt soller, Bon Appetit, "7 Mouthwatering Indian Grilling Recipes," 1 June 2017
On top goes chaat masala, a collage of spices haunted by the smoky spoor of black salt; amchur, tart green mango powder; and asafetida, with its faint evocation of meat.

— ligaya mishan, New York Times, "Mumbai Xpress, a Good Reason to Stray for a Snack," 25 Nov. 2016
From the city of Mangalore on the Arabian Sea comes kori gassi, a very mild and irresistible chicken stew; coriander, asafetida and curry leaves season the coconut milk.

— pete wells, New York Times, "Sahib, in Curry Hill, Lets You Eat All Over India," 21 Feb. 2017
Chaat Masala Another blend, with cumin, coriander, dried ginger, black salt, pepper, amchoor (dried mango powder), asafetida, and more.

— kurt soller, Bon Appetit, "7 Mouthwatering Indian Grilling Recipes," 1 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'asafetida.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of asafetida

Middle English asafetida, from Medieval Latin asafoetida, from Persian azā mastic + Latin foetida, feminine of foetidus fetid

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First Known Use: 14th century

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Medical Dictionary

asafetida

noun asa·fet·i·da

variants: or asafoetida play \ˌas-ə-ˈfit-əd-ē, -ˈfet-əd-ə\

medical Definition of asafetida

: the fetid gum resin of the root of an Asian plant (Ferula assa-foetida) of the carrot family (Umbelliferae) that is used as an herbal remedy (as in the treatment of asthma, whooping cough, and flatulence)