Definition

Noun 1. A tropical Asian tree (Cinnamomum verum) with aromatic yellowish-brown bark; the primary source of the spice cinnamon. This term refers specifically to the tree species native to Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon), which yields the highly valued "true cinnamon" or "Ceylon cinnamon."

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The Ceylon cinnamon tree is cultivated for its delicate and sweet bark.
  • Unlike other cinnamon varieties, the bark of the Ceylon cinnamon tree is harvested in thin, soft layers.
  • The plantation was filled with mature Ceylon cinnamon trees.

Advanced Usage

• Botanical Context: The term is used in botanical and agricultural contexts to distinguish from other related species, such as (which produces cassia or "Chinese cinnamon").
  • For the finest quality spice, producers prefer the bark of the Ceylon cinnamon tree.

Variants and Related Words

• Ceylon cinnamon (n): The spice itself, made from the dried inner bark of the Ceylon cinnamon tree.
  • Ceylon cinnamon is often considered superior for desserts.
• Cinnamon tree (n): A more general term that can refer to several species of the genus .
• Cinnamomum verum (n): The scientific (Latin) name for the Ceylon cinnamon tree.

Synonyms

• True cinnamon tree
• Cinnamomum zeylanicum (an older scientific synonym)

Noun

1. tropical Asian tree with aromatic yellowish-brown bark; source of the spice cinnamon