Category:Turmeric

Tur"mer*ic, n. Etym: [f. terre-mérite, nl. terramerita, turmerica; Apparently meaning, excellent earth, but perhaps a corruption of ar. Kurkum. Cf. Curcuma.]

1. (bot.)

Defn: 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.

Turmeric Tur"mer*ic, a. (chem.)

Defn: 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.