spice

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A strong-tasting or aromatic part of a plant, usually dried, used to flavor food.

   Indian cooking uses a rich mixture of spices like cumin and turmeric.

2. 2
   verb

   To add spice or seasoning to food.

   She spiced the stew with ginger and cinnamon.

3. 3
   noun

   Something that adds excitement or interest.

   A little humor added some spice to his otherwise dull speech.

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *speḱ- Proto-Indo-European *-yeti Proto-Indo-European *spéḱyeti Proto-Italic *spekjō Late Latin speciō Proto-Italic *-jēs Late Latin -iēs Late Latin speciēs Old French espicebor. Anglo-Norman specebor. Middle English spice English spice Inherited from Middle English spice, from Old French espice (modern épice), from Late Latin speciēs (“spice, good, ware”), from Latin speciēs (“kind, sort”). Doublet of species.

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