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 and in medicine

also : this plant

Examples of cardamom in a Sentence

a tablespoon of ground cardamom

Recent Examples on the Web

On the palate, flavors of toasted oak, rosemary, and cardamom are balanced with sweeter notes of fig and lemon. —Emily Price, Forbes, 2 Oct. 2024

Season: Once the tripe has been prepared for cooking, its mild flavor can be enhanced with seasonings like anise, caraway, and cardamom. —Lauren O'Connor, Ms, Health, 29 Sep. 2024

Now it’s told with juniper berry, cardamom, lavender and coconut water accord. —Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 23 Sep. 2024

Spice it up: Other variations include adding orange zest or spices like nutmeg, cardamom, and ginger to the batter. —Patricia S York, Southern Living, 22 Sep. 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