licorice

noun

lic·​o·​rice ˈli-k(ə-)rish  -k(ə-)rəs 

1

a

: the dried root of a European leguminous plant (Glycyrrhiza glabra) with pinnate leaves and spikes of blue flowers

also : an extract of this used especially in medicine, liquors, and confectionery

b

: a candy flavored with licorice or a substitute (such as anise)

2

: a plant yielding licorice

also : a related plant

Examples of licorice in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The flavor profile is classic bourbon, with notes of vanilla, honey, caramel, stone fruit, and a bit of licorice, along with a nice dollop of spice from the relatively high rye content. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 5 Sep. 2024

As for the formula, witch hazel reduces the appearance of pores while licorice extract steps in to even out skin tone. —Iman Balagam, Allure, 1 Sep. 2024

The park will be decorated with giant gumdrops, licorice sticks, lollipops and peppermint sticks, according to a post on the city’s website. —Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2024

The 2018 is crimson to purple colored in the glass with aromas of ripe red pepper, black licorice, and pomegranate. —Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 13 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English licorice, from Anglo-French licoris, from Late Latin liquiritia, alteration of Latin glycyrrhiza, from Greek glykyrrhiza, from glykys sweet + rhiza root — more at dulcet, root

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing licorice

• Indian licorice

Kids Definition

licorice

noun

lic·​o·​rice ˈlik(-ə)-rish  -rəs 

1

a

: a European plant of the legume family with spikes of blue flowers

b

: the dried root of licorice

also : a preparation made from the root

2

: a candy flavored with licorice or a substitute (as anise)

Etymology

Middle English licorice "licorice," from early French licoris (same meaning), from Latin liquiritia (same meaning), derived from Greek glykyrrhiza, literally, "sweet root"

Medical Definition

licorice

noun

lic·​o·​rice

variants or chiefly British liquorice

ˈlik(-ə)-rish  -rəs 

1

: a European leguminous plant of the genus Glycyrrhiza (G. glabra) with pinnate leaves and spikes of blue flowers

2

a

: glycyrrhiza sense 2

b

: an extract of glycyrrhiza commonly prepared in the form of a gummy or rubbery paste