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

Its chess set, made of mahogany and cassia woods, is a perfect example why. — Juliet Izon, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Dec. 2025

On the other side of the steps is a dramatic cassia, or golden medallion tree, drooping with large seed pods. — Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Nov. 2025

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

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