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

However, don’t expect turmeric to treat cancer2 or detoxify your liver like some social media users claim. —Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 17 Dec. 2024

Alternatively, Nature Made makes an extra-strength supplement with 1,000 mg of turmeric and black pepper. —Kristine Thomason, Vogue, 14 Dec. 2024

Other variations may include ginger, nutmeg, turmeric, cardamom, galangal, Mandarin orange peel, white or black peppercorns, and licorice root. —Sarah Jampel, Bon Appétit, 13 Dec. 2024

Research has shown that turmeric may improve working memory and processing speed. —Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Rdn, Health, 11 Dec. 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