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

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

Designed to mimic the smell of a vintage Hermès suede jacket, this candle from Nette exudes notes of cardamom, violet leaf, sandalwood, and amber. —Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 2 Dec. 2024

This new drink brings flavors of sweet orange, tart cranberry and warm spices, including notes of cardamom, cinnamon and nutmeg. —Chad Murphy, The Enquirer, 17 Nov. 2024

Here's what the Farmers' Almanac predicts New items this winter include a trio of new Cran-Merry Orange Refreshers: Cran-Merry Orange Refresher: Flavors of sweet orange, tart cranberry and warm spices, including notes of cardamom, cinnamon and nutmeg, shaken with ice, water and real cranberries. —Alexis Simmerman, Austin American-Statesman, 13 Nov. 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