tamarind

noun

tam·​a·​rind ˈta-mə-rənd 

-ˌrind

1

: an African evergreen tree (Tamarindus indica) of the legume family that is widely grown in tropical regions and has hard yellowish wood, pinnate leaves, red-striped yellow flowers, and an edible fruit

2

: the fruit of the tamarind tree consisting of an oblong brown pod containing 1 to 12 flat seeds embedded in a brownish, sticky, acidic pulp which is used especially in preserves and pastes and to flavor foods and beverages

Illustration of tamarind

Examples of tamarind in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These turn to a palate of vivid energy and serious tannic structure, with tea-like notes and fantastic concentration, sanguine flavors of iron and mineral, as well as wild strawberries, tamarind paste, and a hint of black olives. —Brian Freedman, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024

Garnish with lime or orange, or, what the hell, a pickle or a stick of tamarind candy. Get the recipe. —Daniel Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2024

The restaurant recently launched a ten-course vegetarian menu featuring vegan dishes like the beetroot tamarind sorbet, which features mint, tamarind gel and cucumber granite. —Kaila Yu, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024

Plump Kauai prawns sauteed in garlicky fish sauce ($17) set the stage for savory sinigang ($30) — tamarind broth loaded with long beans, okra and fish. —Shannon Wianecki, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Spanish & Portuguese tamarindo, from Arabic tamr hindī, literally, Indian date

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

tamarind

noun

tam·​a·​rind ˈtam-ə-rənd 

-rind

: a tropical tree of the legume family that has hard yellowish wood, feathery leaves, and red-striped yellow flowers

also : its fruit which has a sour pulp used especially for preserves or as a seasoning in cooking

Medical Definition

tamarind

noun

tam·​a·​rind ˈtam-ə-rənd, -ˌrind 

1

: a tropical leguminous tree (Tamarindus indica) with hard yellowish wood and a fruit with an acid pulp

2

: the pulp of the partially dried ripe fruit of a tamarind used in herbal medicine especially for its laxative properties