star anise

noun

: the small brown star-shaped pungent fruit of a Chinese and Vietnamese tree (Illicium verum) that has a flavor similar to but stronger than anise and is dried and used whole or ground as a spice especially in Chinese cooking

Examples of star anise in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Typical ingredients include whole or ground spices (like cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, peppercorns), herb sprigs (like rosemary, thyme, bay leaves), fruit (citrus, cranberries, apples), and extracts (vanilla, almond). Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 1 Dec. 2024 Santa's Sack Christmas Ale: brewed with nutmeg, cinnamon, fresh ginger and star anise, available in a four-pack of 16-ounce cans and on tap. Jordyn Noennig, Journal Sentinel, 13 Nov. 2024 Place sliced sweet potatoes, cinnamon stick, and star anise in bottom of a 13- x 9-inch baking dish. Dale Gray, Southern Living, 6 Nov. 2024 Sixth course: Bourbon and star anise poached pear compote with vanilla bean and rosewater ice cream, cookie crumbs, mint and orange zest. Amanda Hancock, The Courier-Journal, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for star anise 

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of star anise was in 1838

Dictionary Entries Near star anise

Cite this Entry

“Star anise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/star%20anise. Accessed 15 Dec. 2024.

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