cardamom

noun

car·​da·​mom ˈkär-də-məm 

-ˌmäm

: the aromatic capsular fruit of an Indian herb (Elettaria cardamomum) of the ginger family with seeds used as a spice or condiment and in medicine

also : this plant

Examples of cardamom in a Sentence

a tablespoon of ground cardamom

Recent Examples on the Web

Bakery items Apple Chai Crumble Muffin: Made with Granny Smith apples and chai spices: cardamom, clove, cinnamon and vanilla bean. —Claire Reid, Journal Sentinel, 5 Sep. 2024

The warm scent has top notes of ginger, cardamom, and guaiacwood. —Kleigh Balugo, StyleCaster, 19 Aug. 2024

Top notes of aldehydes (for the vodka effect) are grounded by cardamom and oakmoss, creating a refreshing spritzer that captures the cold steam essence of ice cubes and a splash of vodka. —Michael Stefanov, Robb Report, 13 Aug. 2024

This airy fragrance has notes of the plant plus energizing bergamot and cardamom. —Claire Sullivan, WWD, 31 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin cardamomum, from Greek kardamōmon, blend of kardamon peppergrass and amōmon, an Indian spice plant

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

cardamom

noun

car·​da·​mom ˈkärd-ə-məm, -ˌmäm 

: the aromatic capsular fruit of an Indian herb (Elettaria cardamomum) of the ginger family with seeds used as a spice and in medicine

also : this plant