n.
Pronunciation: ' sp ī s
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French espece, espis, from Late Latin species product, wares, drugs, spices, from Latin, appearance, species ― more at SPECIES
Date: 13th century
1 : any of various aromatic vegetable products (as pepper or nutmeg) used to season or flavor foods
2 a archaic : a small portion, quantity, or admixture : DASH b : something that gives zest or relish <variety's the very spice of life ― William Cowper>
3 : a pungent or fragrant odor : PERFUME
– spice · less \ -l ə s \ adjective