■ noun
1》 an aromatic or pungent vegetable substance used to flavour food, e.g. pepper.
2》 an element providing interest and excitement.
3》 N. English confectionery.
■ verb
1》 [often as adjective ~d ] flavour with ~.
2》 (often ~ something up ) make more exciting or interesting.
Origin
ME: shortening of OFr. e~ , from L. species 'sort, kind', in late L. 'wares'.