# turmeric

/ˈtɝməˌɹɪk/ (US) · /tɜːmˈɛɹɪk/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/turmeric
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

a bright yellow powder made from the root of a plant. You use it to color and flavor food, especially in Indian cooking.

For teachers: a bright yellow powder derived from the rhizomes of the plant Curcuma longa. It is a primary spice in South Asian cuisine and is valued for its distinct flavor and coloring properties.

## Examples

- I add a little turmeric to the soup for color.
- The chef used fresh turmeric to give the curry its signature golden hue and earthy aroma.
- While dried turmeric is the most common form in global trade, some traditional recipes require the fresh root to achieve a more intense and complex flavor profile.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.