I. ˈspīs 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 -ləs adjective
II. transitive verb
( spiced ; spic·ing )
Date: 14th century
1. : to season with spices
2. : to add zest or relish to
cynicism spiced with humor — J. W. Dawson
— often used with up