/terr"meuhr ik/ , n.
1. the aromatic rhizome of an Asian plant, Curcuma domestica (or C. longa ), of the ginger family.
2. a powder prepared from it, used as a condiment, as in curry powder, or as a yellow dye, a medicine, etc.
3. the plant itself.
4. any of various similar substances or plants.
[ 1530-40; earlier tarmaret terra merita merited earth, unexplained name for curcuma ]