cassia

noun

cas·​sia ˈka-shə 

1

or less commonly cassia cinnamon : the dried, aromatic bark of several tropical trees (genus Cinnamomum) that yields a reddish brown to dark brown spice sold as and used similarly to true cinnamon but having a usually stronger, more spicy character

also : the powdered spice produced from cassia bark see indonesian cinnamon

2

: any of a genus (Cassia) of leguminous herbs, shrubs, and trees of warm regions

Examples of cassia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Firewood and Spice Candle Firewood and Spice evokes scents of a fall bonfire with a twist thanks to its notes of oakwood and balsam that pair with chestnut, pumpkin, allspice, and cassia. —Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 19 Oct. 2025

Apple cider vinegar can also interact with certain dietary supplements, such as licorice, cassia cinnamon, and horsetail. —Karen Berger, Verywell Health, 1 Oct. 2025

The juniper is more prominent on the palate, which also showcases citrus, spices, a touch of black pepper, and herbal notes, especially cassia. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 4 Sep. 2025

Interspersed among the plants are a couple of apricot trees, a very young Meyer lemon tree and, across the driveway, a cassia tree, still in bloom with yellow flowers. —Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English, from Latin, from Greek kassia, of Semitic origin; akin to Hebrew qĕṣīʽāh cassia

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing cassia

• Batavia cassia
• Korintje cassia

Kids Definition

cassia

noun

cas·​sia ˈkash-ə 

1

: the dried coarse bark of any of several cinnamons

2

: any of a genus of herbs, shrubs, and trees of the legume family which grow in warm regions

Medical Definition

cassia

noun

cas·​sia

ˈkash-ə, especially sense 2 ˈkas-ē-ə

1

: the dried, aromatic bark of several tropical trees of the genus Cinnamomum (such as Chinese cinnamon) that yields a reddish brown to dark brown spice sold as and used similarly to true cinnamon but having a usually stronger, more spicy character

also : the powdered spice produced from cassia bark

2

capitalized : a genus of leguminous herbs, shrubs, and trees that are native to warm regions and have pinnate leaves and nearly regular flowers see senna

3

: cassia fistula