turmeric

noun tur·mer·ic \ ˈtər-mə-rik also ˈtü-mə- or ˈtyü- \

|Updated on: 14 Jul 2018

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

See turmeric defined for kids

Recent Examples of turmeric from the Web

Lemon aioli ½ cup mayonnaise Juice of one lemon 1 tablespoon turmeric1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon pepper Mix together all the ingredients.

— nancy miller, The Courier-Journal, "Papa Johns' nephew makes a name for himself on Louisville food scene," 26 June 2018
Meanwhile, make rub: Place coconut flakes, mint leaves, cilantro, chile, ginger, fennel, coriander, turmeric, lime juice, sugar and a pinch of salt in a food processor or blender.

— kitty greenwald, WSJ, "This Summery Coconut-Spice Halibut Is Great Steamed or Grilled," 26 June 2018
Divide among glasses, then sprinkle with more turmeric. Do Ahead: Slushy can be made 1 hour ahead.

— molly baz, Bon Appetit, "Inflammation-Busting Pineapple Slushy," 25 June 2018
In a large bowl, combine flour, white pepper, dry mustard, cumin, turmeric, cayenne, paprika and garlic powder.

— ann maloney, NOLA.com, "Fry chicken at home, or buy it at restaurants? That is the question," 17 Apr. 2018
Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, the salt and the turmeric, if using.

— bonnie s. benwick, Washington Post, "This 20-minute lemony shrimp dish is the weeknight hero you’ve been waiting for," 19 Feb. 2018
Yet for the past 15 years or so, turmeric has become much more.

— doug williams, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Turmeric: superfood or superhype," 25 June 2018
Add onion, turmeric, cinnamon, and season with salt and pepper.

— alison roman, The Cut, "Forget Engagement Chicken. Meet Breakup Steak.," 6 June 2018
Add a big array of spices — cumin, coriander, turmeric, chile, and more — and leave overnight to marinate.

— sheryl julian, BostonGlobe.com, "Recipe: Get a skillet blazing hot and you can make Middle Eastern lamb shawarma at home," 28 May 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.

Origin and Etymology of turmeric

Middle English turmeryte

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

Other Food Terms

Reuben, calamari, chuck, curry, edamame, foie gras, hummus, leaven, nonpareil, peel

Medical Dictionary

turmeric

noun tur·mer·ic \ ˈtər-mə-rik \

variants: also tumeric play \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