curcumin

noun

cur·​cu·​min ˈkər-kyə-mən 

: an orange-yellow crystalline compound C₂₁H₂₀O₆ that constitutes the chief coloring principle of turmeric

Examples of curcumin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The maximum dose that Harvard lists is one 500 mg capsule of curcumin extract — the active ingredient that gives turmeric its signature color — twice a day for arthritic pain. —Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 11 July 2025

Research has shown that curcumin can improve blood pressure and cholesterol levels and help maintain healthy blood vessel function.3 Brain health: Turmeric may also support brain health and cognitive function throughout the aging process. —Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Health, 9 July 2025

Turmeric, for example, contains a substance called curcumin, which is known to protect against certain cancers and support brain health. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 25 June 2025

That said, turmeric and curcumin applied to the skin benefited psoriasis, eczema, infections, and wound healing.14 8. —Megan Nunn, Verywell Health, 24 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

French curcumine, from curcum- (from New Latin Curcuma, the turmeric plant, from Arabic kurkum) + -ine -in entry 1

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for curcumin

• acumen
• albumen
• albumin
• bitumen
• cerumen
• illumine
• inhuman
• nonhuman
• subhuman
• crewman
• crewmen
• cumin

Medical Definition

curcumin

noun

cur·​cu·​min ˈkər-kyə-mən 

: an orange-yellow crystalline compound C₂₁H₂₀O₆ that constitutes the chief coloring principle of turmeric