turmeric

noun

tur·mer·ic | \ ˈtər-mə-rik

also ˈtü-mə- or ˈtyü- \

Definition of turmeric

1 : an Indian perennial herb (Curcuma longa synonym C. domestica) of the ginger family with a large aromatic yellow rhizome

2 : the boiled, dried, and usually ground rhizome of the turmeric plant used as a coloring agent, a flavoring, or a stimulant

3 : a yellow to reddish-brown dyestuff obtained from turmeric

Examples of turmeric in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web And the earthy and umami-packed turmeric is my favorite of all. — Amber Gibson, Bon Appétit, "I Can't Stop Munching On This Fluffy, Flavorful Popcorn Dupe," 26 Feb. 2021 Serve beets with half of romesco (refrigerate remainder for another use, up to 3 days) and dust with additional turmeric, if desired. — Woman's Day Kitchen, Woman's Day, "Turmeric-Roasted Beets With Orange Bell Pepper Romesco," 22 Jan. 2020 But the flavors were muted, with only faint whiffs of the usual punch of turmeric, cumin and garam masala. — Jenn Harrisstaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, "The best and worst fresh food meal kits," 17 Apr. 2020 Add fiery grated ginger or a sprinkle of turmeric to tropical fruits; pair baking spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom with bananas. — Aliza Abarbanel, Bon Appétit, "You Don’t Need a Recipe to Make a Damn Good Smoothie," 22 Mar. 2020 Stir in the tomato paste, coriander, paprika and turmeric until dissolved. — Tina Danze, Dallas News, "Magic meatballs: Dallas chefs share recipes for their Italian and Afghan specialties," 17 Feb. 2020 Mix ginger, carrot juice, lime juice, turmeric, and kosher salt in a small bowl. — Andy Baraghani, Bon Appetit, "Vitamin C Superfruit Salad," 19 Mar. 2018 Add turmeric, curry powder and spinach and bring to a boil again. — Tina Danze, Dallas News, "What to cook this week: 8 starter pantry cuisine recipes with easy variations," 6 Apr. 2020 Yellow chiles and turmeric give this comforting weeknight dinner bold color and big flavor. — Woman's Day Kitchen, Woman's Day, "Thai Beef and Vegetable Curry," 31 Mar. 2020

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

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Last Updated

28 Feb 2021

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“Turmeric.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turmeric. Accessed 21 Apr. 2021.

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More Definitions for turmeric

turmeric

noun

tur·mer·ic | \ ˈtər-mə-rik

variants: also tumeric \ ˈt(y)ü-mə-

Medical Definition of turmeric

1 : an Indian perennial herb (Curcuma longa) of the ginger family with a large aromatic yellow rhizome

2 : the cleaned, boiled, dried, and usually ground rhizome of the turmeric plant used in dietary supplements and herbal remedies and as a spice — see curcumin

3 : a yellow to reddish brown dyestuff obtained from turmeric