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

Popcorn That Speeds Your MetabolismChinatown eatery Dimes keeps their to-go clients coming back for a trio of popcorn recipes spiked with metabolism-boosting cayenne pepper, beta-carotene-rich spirulina, and anti-inflammatory turmeric. — Mackenzie Wagoner, Vogue, "The Perfect Super Bowl Snack Exists—Now Here’s How To Eat It," 3 Feb. 2019 The parent company of online beverage company Dirty Lemon will open the Drug Store, a cocktail bar and cashierless shop that sells lemonade drinks with charcoal, matcha and turmeric. — Keiko Morris, WSJ, "In New York, a Glitzy New Mall Devotes a Floor to Online Retailers," 15 Jan. 2019 Ginger in any incarnation, Japanese pumpkin, and turmeric. — Sarah Spellings And Diana Tsui, The Cut, "The Model Finding Beauty in the Mundane," 25 May 2018 Add cinnamon, cloves, turmeric, salt and 2 1/2 cups water. — David Tanis, The Seattle Times, "A humble feast begins with lentils," 7 Jan. 2019 This is because turmeric, an ancient medicinal herb, helps removes plaque (some that's not evident to the naked eye), which causes discoloration. — Lauren Valenti, Marie Claire, "Rubbing These Two Things on Your Teeth Will Make Them Whiter in Minutes," 19 Apr. 2016 Combine mushrooms, ginger, chile, garlic, kombu, turmeric, and 4½ cups water in a medium saucepan. — Alison Carroll, Bon Appetit, "Brothy Noodle Bowl with Mushrooms and Chiles," 19 Mar. 2018 Aromas of curry and turmeric wafted through the kitchen and dining room, as employees swept and set up tables. — Louis Hansen, The Seattle Times, "One way to keep food-service workers in pricey places: Pay their rent," 17 Aug. 2018 Not a dainty plant, turmeric has large green leaves and grows 3 or more feet tall. — Jean Nick, Good Housekeeping, "How to Grow Your Own Turmeric Indoors," 22 July 2018

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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10 Feb 2019

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The first known use of turmeric was in the 15th century

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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