turmeric

noun

tur·​mer·​ic ˈtər-mə-rik 

 also  ˈtü-mə-,

 or  ˈtyü-

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

Their African skincare, or A-Beauty line, is formulated with antioxidants — including turmeric, okra, quasil and black seed — to target skincare concerns on a cellular level like hyperpigmentation, a common condition that people with melanin experience. —Anaja I. Smith, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 May 2024

Formulated with probiotics, prebiotics, turmeric, and other skin-friendly ingredients, this cleanser effectively pulls out dirt, makeup, sunscreen, and other pore-clogging agents to make my skin squeaky clean. —Alexandra Domrongchai, Travel + Leisure, 10 May 2024

Make the marinade: In a large bowl, combine the paprika, cumin, coriander, ginger, turmeric, allspice and cinnamon with 1½ teaspoons salt and ½ teaspoon pepper. —Lidey Heuck, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 May 2024

Studies show turmeric can be used to treat gingivitis and manage inflammation in the gums. —Essence, 8 May 2024

In a 5- to 6-quart stainless-steel, enamel, or nonstick heavy pot, combine vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, peppercorns, and turmeric. —Bhg Test Kitchen, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 May 2024

Curcumin is the active compound in the spice turmeric. —Novella Lui, Health, 3 May 2024

The eye cream has three key ingredients: THD vitamin C, caffeine, and turmeric. —Enjanae' Taylor, Southern Living, 2 May 2024

From our column The Fourth Trimester, this Golden Chicken Soup is imbued with peppery turmeric, earthy fenugreek, and fall-off-the-bone meat. —Nina Moskowitz, Bon Appétit, 25 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English turmeryte

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

turmeric

noun

tur·​mer·​ic ˈtər-mə-rik 

also

ˈtü-mə- 

ˈtyü-

1

: an Indian herb related to ginger and having a large yellow underground plant stem

2

: the boiled, dried, and usually ground underground plant stem of turmeric used especially as a flavoring or dye

Medical Definition

turmeric

noun

tur·​mer·​ic ˈtər-mə-rik 

variants also tumeric

ˈt(y)ü-mə- 

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