cumin
UK[ˈkʌmɪn]US[ˈkʌmɪn]
n
The aromatic seeds of a plant of the parsley family, used as a spice, especially ground and used in curry powder.
n
The small, slender plant that produces these seeds.
Etymology
The journey of 'cumin' is a classic example of a spice traveling along ancient trade routes, carrying its name with it. The word originates from the Semitic root k-m-n, which passed into Greek as 'kyminon'. The Romans adopted it as 'cuminum', and it entered Old French as 'cumin'. English borrowed the term from French in the Middle Ages. The word's form has remained remarkably stable for millennia, reflecting the direct and continuous transmission of both the spice and its name across Mediterranean and European cultures.
Analysis
The word 'cumin' is a simplex loanword. It entered English as a whole unit from Old French, which borrowed it from Latin, which in turn borrowed it from Greek. Its ultimate origin is the Semitic root k-m-n, found in Hebrew, Arabic, and Akkadian.
Examples
Ground cumin is an essential ingredient in many chili recipes.
The recipe calls for a teaspoon of toasted cumin seeds.
The warm, earthy aroma of cumin filled the kitchen.