Definition

Noun: - Aromatic seed used for flavoring: The small, oval, licorice-flavored seed of the anise plant (Pimpinella anisum), used as a spice in cooking and baking, and for medicinal purposes. - Botanical source: The seed itself, which is the dried fruit of the anise plant.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The recipe calls for a teaspoon of crushed anise seed.
  • Anise seed is often used to flavor cookies, breads, and certain liquors.
  • Some people chew anise seed to aid digestion.

Advanced Usage

• "Toasted anise seed": Seeds that have been lightly heated in a dry pan to enhance their aroma and flavor before use.
  • Toasted anise seed adds a deeper flavor to the curry.
• "Anise seed tea": An infusion made by steeping the seeds in hot water, often consumed for its purported health benefits.
  • She drinks anise seed tea to soothe an upset stomach.

Variants and Related Words

• Anise (n): The plant () from which the seed is harvested, or the seed itself used more generally.
  • The anise plant has white flowers.
• Aniseed (n): A common variant spelling and term for anise seed.
  • Aniseed oil is extracted from the seeds.

Synonyms

• Aniseed: The most direct synonym.
• Pimpinella anisum seed: The formal botanical term.

Related Phrases

• Star anise: A different spice from an unrelated plant () with a similar flavor profile. It is important to note this is a distinct spice, not a variant of anise seed.
  • Star anise is a key ingredient in Chinese five-spice powder.

Noun

1. liquorice-flavored seeds, used medicinally and in cooking and liquors