star anise

noun

: the small brown star-shaped pungent fruit of a Chinese and Vietnamese tree (Illicium verum) that has a flavor similar to but stronger than anise and is dried and used whole or ground as a spice especially in Chinese cooking

Examples of star anise in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Place sliced sweet potatoes, cinnamon stick, and star anise in bottom of a 13- x 9-inch baking dish. Dale Gray, Southern Living, 6 Nov. 2024 Sixth course: Bourbon and star anise poached pear compote with vanilla bean and rosewater ice cream, cookie crumbs, mint and orange zest. Amanda Hancock, The Courier-Journal, 4 Nov. 2024 Bring wine, sugar, star anise, cinnamon and a pinch of salt to a boil in a medium saucepan, stirring occasionally. Cathy Thomas, Orange County Register, 22 Oct. 2024 Add star anise, black cardamon, and cinnamon into the cocktail shaker. Lauren Mowery, Forbes, 19 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for star anise 

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of star anise was in 1838

Dictionary Entries Near star anise

Cite this Entry

“Star anise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/star%20anise. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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