allspice
UK[ˈɔːlspaɪs]US[ˈɔːlspaɪs]
n
the dried, unripe berries of a tropical american tree, used as a spice with a flavor resembling a mixture of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
n
the evergreen tree that produces these berries.
Morpheme Breakdown
all
spice
all
spice
Etymology
the word "allspice" is a compound formed in early modern english. it was coined in the 17th century because the flavor of its dried berry was thought to combine the tastes of several familiar spices, notably cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. the name is descriptive, literally meaning a spice that tastes like "all" other spices combined. this naming reflects the european practice of identifying new world commodities by comparing them to known old world products.
Analysis
Structure: all + spice
"all" (from old english eall, meaning "whole, entire, every"); "spice" (from old french espice, from latin species meaning "kind, sort," later "goods, spices").
Examples
the recipe calls for a teaspoon of ground allspice.
allspice is a key ingredient in many caribbean jerk seasoning blends.
the allspice tree is native to central america and the west indies.