I. ˈtərmərik, ˈtə̄m-, ˈtəim-, -rēk noun
or tu·mer·ic ˈt(y)üm-
( -s )
Etymology: modification of Middle French terre merite saffron, from Medieval Latin terra merita, literally, deserving or deserved earth
1.
a.
(1) : an East Indian perennial herb ( Curcuma longa ) with a large aromatic deep yellow rhizome
(2) : the cleaned, boiled, sun-dried, and usually pulverized rhizome of the turmeric plant used as a coloring agent, a condiment (as in pickling and in curry powder), or a stimulant
(3) : a yellow to reddish brown dyestuff obtained from turmeric
b. : any of several closely related plants yielding a similar product
2. : any of several plants (as the bloodroot or goldenseal) yielding colored juices or otherwise felt to resemble the East Indian turmeric
3. : mimosa 3
II. adjective
: of, relating to, or obtained from turmeric