ˈkərkyəmə noun
Etymology: New Latin, from Arabic kurkum saffron, crocus
1.
a. capitalized : a genus of Old World tropical herbs (family Zingiberaceae) having tuberous roots and spicate flowers, some members having roots that yield starch — see turmeric , zedoary
b. -s : any plant of the genus Curcuma
2. -s
a. : an arrowroot obtained from a curcuma
b. : turmeric 1a(2)