curcuma

noun

cur·​cu·​ma
ˈkərkyəmə
1
a
capitalized : a genus of Old World tropical herbs (family Zingiberaceae) having tuberous roots and spicate flowers, some members having roots that yield starch see turmeric, zedoary
b
plural -s : any plant of the genus Curcuma
2
-s
a
: an arrowroot obtained from a curcuma
b
: turmeric sense 1a(2)

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Arabic kurkum saffron, crocus

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Dictionary Entries Near curcuma

Curculionidae

curcuma

curcuma paper

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Cite this Entry

“Curcuma.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/curcuma. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

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