/kahr"deuh meuhm/ , n.
1. the aromatic seed capsules of a tropical Asian plant, Elettaria cardamomum, of the ginger family, used as a spice or condiment and in medicine.
2. the plant itself.
3. a related plant, Amomum compactum, or its seeds, used as a substitute for true cardamom.
Also, cardamon /kahr"deuh meuhn/ , cardamum .
[ 1350-1400; ME ( cardamomum kardámonon, b. kárdamon cress and ámomon a spice plant ]