Definition

Noun: - A perennial herb native to the Mediterranean region: Glycyrrhiza glabra is a plant species characterized by a deep root system, blue to violet flowers, and pinnately compound leaves. It is widely cultivated for its long, thick, sweet-tasting roots, which are the source of licorice.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The extract is derived from the root of Glycyrrhiza glabra.
  • Farmers cultivate Glycyrrhiza glabra for use in confectionery and traditional medicine.

Advanced Usage

• Botanical nomenclature: The term is used in scientific and botanical contexts to specify this particular species within the genus . It is often italicized in formal writing.
  • The study focused on the active compounds in Glycyrrhiza glabra.*

Variants and Related Words

• Licorice (British English: Liquorice) (n): The common name for the plant, and especially for the flavored product made from its root.
  • I bought some black licorice candy.
• Licorice root (n): Refers specifically to the harvested root of the plant.
  • She brewed tea from licorice root.

Synonyms

• Licorice plant: The common descriptive name.
• Sweet root: A name referring to the characteristic of its root.

Notes on Meaning

• The primary meaning is strictly botanical, referring to the plant species itself. In common usage, the word "licorice" is used for the flavor, candy, or plant, while is the precise scientific designation.

Noun

1. deep-rooted coarse-textured plant native to the Mediterranean region having blue flowers and pinnately compound leaves; widely cultivated in Europe for its long thick sweet roots