noun

licorice

LIK-er-ish/ˈlɪkərɪʃ/

A plant whose sweet root extract flavors food and candy.

Licorice grows above a spreading network of thick roots.

A licorice plant with compound leaves and pale violet flowers above connected yellow-brown roots.

Etymology

The pieces mean “sweet root,” originally naming the plant whose roots supplied a sweet substance. The candy takes its name from the root extract used to flavor it.

In context

DW Food3:36

But even as candy, licorice really should be enjoyed in moderation.

How Licorice is Made in The World’s Oldest Factory in Italy

More examples

She plants licorice in a sunny corner of the garden.
Licorice roots are harvested to make a sweet extract.
This herbal tea gets its sweetness from licorice.

Forms

licorice · licorices