angelica

noun

an·​gel·​i·​ca an-ˈje-li-kə 

1

a

: any of a genus (Angelica) of herbs of the carrot family

especially : a Eurasian biennial or perennial (A. archangelica) whose roots and seeds yield a flavoring oil and whose young stems are often candied

b

: a confection prepared from angelica

2

capitalized : a sweet fortified wine

Examples of angelica in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The juniper flavors are balanced by grapefruit and Seville orange peel, complemented by coriander and angelica. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025

The formula features some of Olivia’s favorite herbs, like angelica, meant to ignite our fire and support sluggish digestion. —Kate Kassin, Bon Appétit, 21 Nov. 2024

This is largely due to the higher proportion of root botanicals, such as orris root and angelica, used in its production. —Emily Price, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024

Traditionally, fresh angelica herb was put into the pot where fish is boiled. —Trang Tran, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 22 Oct. 2024

At the core of it are herbs—grand wormwood, green anise, and fennel—that are infused and re-distilled and flavored usually with more herbs like angelica, star anise, licorice root, and others. —Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 12 Oct. 2024

The result is a scent with a Mediterranean allure that combines the relaxing notes of French angelica oil and the sensuality of Moroccan orange blossom. —Sofia Viganò, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2024

Guilder’s first offerings are a Green Tea gin, Red Oolong (which Park and Di enjoy sipping on its own) and a more classic offering called Canton Dry, a blend of juniper, coriander and angelica. —Kurt Soller M.h. Miller Angela Koh Rachel Felder Chris Schalkx, New York Times, 10 Aug. 2023

In China, there is rich and tonic qing dun quan ji, in which a chicken is blanched then long-simmered in water with a big piece of smashed ginger, scallions and Shaoxing wine; some cooks add tonic herbs or roots like Chinese angelica, ginseng or milk vetch, or goji berries toward the end. —Dallas News, 20 Nov. 2020

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, genus name, from Medieval Latin, from Late Latin, feminine of angelicus angelic, from Late Greek angelikos, from Greek, of a messenger, from angelos

First Known Use

1527, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing angelica

• angelica tree

Medical Definition

angelica

noun

an·​gel·​i·​ca an-ˈjel-i-kə 

1

capitalized : a genus of usually white-flowered herbs of the family Umbelliferae native to the northern hemisphere and New Zealand

2

: any plant of the genus Angelica

especially : a biennial or perennial herb (A. archangelica) having young stems that are candied and roots and seeds that yield a flavoring oil see angelica root