from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Turmeric \Tur"mer*ic\, n. [F. terre-m['e]rite, NL. terramerita,
turmerica; apparently meaning, excellent earth, but perhaps a
corruption of Ar. kurkum. Cf. {Curcuma}.]
1. (Bot.) An East Indian plant of the genus {Curcuma}, of the
Ginger family.
[1913 Webster]
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.
[1913 Webster]