noun / verb
spice
SPYCE/spaɪs/
An aromatic plant ingredient that intensifies flavor.
Peppercorns, cinnamon, cloves, and star anise are fragrant spices.
Etymology
Latin species meant a “kind” or “sort” and came to denote goods or wares, including spices. English preserves the narrower food-seasoning sense.
In context
Add in a small drizzle of dark Chinese vinegar, about a teaspoon, then mix and swap the flame to low. Season with the spice mix from before
More examples
- Cinnamon is the main spice in this cake.
- She spices the rice with cumin and cardamom.
- We serve warm cider spiced with cloves.
Forms
spice · spices · spiced · spicing
spicy adjective — Having a strong flavor from spices.
Similar words
- seasoning
- A broader term that includes salt, herbs, and spices.
- herb
- Usually a plant's leaves, rather than seeds, bark, or roots.
- condiment
- A prepared flavoring often added when food is served.