Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Turmeric
Tur′mer-ic
,Noun.
[F.
terre-mérite
, NL. terramerita
, turmerica
; apparently meaning, excellent earth, but perhaps a corruption of Ar. kurkum
. Cf. Curcuma
.] 1.
(Bot.)
An East Indian plant of the genus
Curcuma
, of the Ginger family. 2.
The root or rootstock of the
Curcuma longa
. It is externally grayish, but internally of a deep, lively yellow or saffron color, and has a slight aromatic smell, and a bitterish, slightly acrid taste. It is used for a dye, a medicine, a condiment, and a chemical test. Tur′mer-ic
,Adj.
(Chem.)
Of or pertaining to turmeric; resembling, or obtained from, turmeric; specif., designating an acid obtained by the oxidation of turmerol.
Turmeric paper
(Chem.)
, paper impregnated with turmeric and used as a test for alkaline substances, by which it is changed from yellow to brown.
– Turmeric root
. (Bot.)
(a)
Bloodroot.
(b)
Orangeroot.
Webster 1828 Edition
Turmeric
TUR'MERIC
,Noun.