kumkum

noun

kum·​kum

ˈku̇mˌku̇m

plural -s

1

: red turmeric powder used for making the distinctive Hindu mark on the forehead

2

: the mark on the forehead made with kumkum

Word History

Etymology

Hindi kuṅkum, from Sanskrit kuṅkuma saffron, perhaps of Semitic origin; akin to Hebrew karkōm saffron, crocus

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