curcumin

noun

cur·​cu·​min ˈkər-kyə-mən 

: an orange-yellow crystalline compound C₂₁H₂₀O₆ that constitutes the chief coloring principle of turmeric

Examples of curcumin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Turmeric gets its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties from a natural compound, or polyphenol, called curcumin. —Gillian Mohney, Verywell Health, 26 Mar. 2025

Adding a pinch of black pepper can significantly increase the bioavailability of curcumin, the main active component of turmeric.4 3. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 24 Mar. 2025

Studies show that 500-3,000 milligram doses of curcumin offer health benefits.364 Consuming fresh or dried turmeric may not be as effective as taking curcumin as a supplement. —Merve Ceylan, Health, 3 Mar. 2025

Most studies have focused on curcumin supplements, not on turmeric as a food. —Merve Ceylan, Health, 11 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French curcumine, from curcum- (from New Latin Curcuma, the turmeric plant, from Arabic kurkum) + -ine -in entry 1

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for curcumin

• acumen
• albumen
• albumin
• bitumen
• cerumen
• illumine
• inhuman
• nonhuman
• subhuman
• crewman
• crewmen
• cumin

Medical Definition

curcumin

noun

cur·​cu·​min ˈkər-kyə-mən 

: an orange-yellow crystalline compound C₂₁H₂₀O₆ that constitutes the chief coloring principle of turmeric