cardamom

noun

car·​da·​mom ˈkär-də-məm 

-ˌmäm

: the aromatic capsular fruit of an Indian herb (Elettaria cardamomum) of the ginger family with seeds used as a spice and in medicine

also : this plant

Examples of cardamom in a Sentence

a tablespoon of ground cardamom

Recent Examples on the Web

Now it’s told with juniper berry, cardamom, lavender and coconut water accord. —Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 23 Sep. 2024

Spice it up: Other variations include adding orange zest or spices like nutmeg, cardamom, and ginger to the batter. —Patricia S York, Southern Living, 22 Sep. 2024

Brown butter, apple butter, butterscotch, chai, cardamom, and salted caramel all received nods by the pastry chefs, and were all strong contenders. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Sep. 2024

It can be used alone but is usually used alongside other spices including cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 18 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin cardamomum, from Greek kardamōmon, blend of kardamon peppergrass and amōmon, an Indian spice plant

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

cardamom

noun

car·​da·​mom ˈkärd-ə-məm, -ˌmäm 

: the aromatic capsular fruit of an Indian herb (Elettaria cardamomum) of the ginger family with seeds used as a spice and in medicine

also : this plant