turmeric

noun

tur·​mer·​ic ˈtər-mə-rik How to pronounce turmeric (audio)
also
ˈtü-mə- How to pronounce turmeric (audio)
 or  ˈtyü-
1
: an Indian perennial herb (Curcuma longa synonym C. domestica) of the ginger family with a large aromatic yellow rhizome
2
: the boiled, dried, and usually ground rhizome of the turmeric plant used as a coloring agent, a flavoring, or a stimulant
3
: a yellow to reddish-brown dyestuff obtained from turmeric

Examples of turmeric in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Turmeric/curcumin: Known for its strong anti-inflammatory effects, turmeric (curcumin) supplements can help reduce systemic inflammation, especially for people with joint pain or digestive issues.20 Vitamin D: Low vitamin D levels are associated with higher inflammation levels. Lindsay Curtis, Health, 6 Jan. 2025 Curcumin, a compound found in turmeric, might be effective. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Jan. 2025 Researchers believe compounds in turmeric, seaweed, soy, and fatty fish (such as mackerel, salmon, and tuna) could have neuroprotective effects. Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 1 Jan. 2025 Berberine is a chemical compound derived from plants like tree turmeric, barberry, goldenseal, goldenthread — all of which have historically played an important role in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 23 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for turmeric 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English turmeryte

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of turmeric was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near turmeric

Cite this Entry

“Turmeric.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turmeric. Accessed 15 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

turmeric

noun
tur·​mer·​ic ˈtər-mə-rik How to pronounce turmeric (audio)
also
ˈtü-mə- How to pronounce turmeric (audio)
ˈtyü-
1
: an Indian herb related to ginger and having a large yellow underground plant stem
2
: the boiled, dried, and usually ground underground plant stem of turmeric used especially as a flavoring or dye

Medical Definition

turmeric

noun
tur·​mer·​ic ˈtər-mə-rik How to pronounce turmeric (audio)
variants also tumeric
1
: an Indian perennial herb (Curcuma longa) of the ginger family with a large aromatic yellow rhizome
2
: the cleaned, boiled, dried, and usually ground rhizome of the turmeric plant used in dietary supplements and herbal remedies and as a spice see curcumin
3
: a yellow to reddish brown dyestuff obtained from turmeric

More from Merriam-Webster on turmeric

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