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

Curcumin, which gives turmeric a yellow color, is responsible for many of the physiologic effects attributed to turmeric. —Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 23 Sep. 2024

This one in particular is packed full of turmeric to ease joint pain, saffron to reduce inflammation, and, according to the website, 36 additional ingredients. —Kelli Acciardo, Allure, 20 Sep. 2024

An anti-inflammatory diet is high in foods like berries, green leafy vegetables, extra-virgin olive oil, whole grains, and fish, as well as spices like garlic, ginger, and turmeric. —Becky Upham, EverydayHealth.com, 14 Aug. 2024

The popular serum features 22 plant extracts, including turmeric, which reduces visible signs of aging, sea buckthorn, which fights skin-aging free radicals, Mary’s thistle, which provides nourishment, oat, which tightens, and aloe vera, which soothes. —Ali Faccenda, Peoplemag, 18 Sep. 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