grain of paradise

1

: one of the pungent seeds of a West African plant (Aframomum melegueta) of the family Zingiberaceae used as a spice

—usually used in plural

2

: one of the dried fruits of an East Indian woody vine (Anamirta cocculus)

—usually used in plural

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, translation of Middle French graine de paradis

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