ENGLISH
REFERENCE

cardamom

n. uncountable
C1 Advanced UK //kˈɑːdæməm// car·damom

n. a strong-smelling spice that comes from the seeds of a plant. It is often used in baking or to make coffee and tea taste better.

n. an aromatic spice derived from the seeds of several species of the genus Elettaria. It is widely used in both sweet and savoury culinary traditions, particularly in South Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines.


SIMPLE

I added a pinch of cardamom to the coffee.

CONTEXTUAL

The baker used ground cardamom to give the traditional pastries a warm, floral scent.

COMPLEX

While often associated with dessert, cardamom is a staple in savory spice blends, providing a complex, citrusy note that balances heavier ingredients like lentils and meats.

Synonyms
Origin

Late Middle English, from Old French cardamome or Latin cardamōmum, from Ancient Greek καρδάμωμον (kardámōmon).

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