Definition

1. Noun:
   • A tropical Asian tree with aromatic yellowish-brown bark; source of the spice cinnamon: This term refers to a specific evergreen tree species native to Sri Lanka and parts of India. Its inner bark is harvested, dried, and used to produce the culinary and medicinal spice known as cinnamon.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Cinnamomum zeylanicum is prized for producing high-quality cinnamon.
  • The essential oil derived from Cinnamomum zeylanicum has antimicrobial properties.
  • True cinnamon, as opposed to cassia, comes from the Cinnamomum zeylanicum tree.

Advanced Usage

• In botanical and scientific contexts: The term is used in formal, scientific writing to specify the plant species. It is often italicized as it is a Latin binomial name (genus and species).
  • The study focused on the cultivation of Cinnamomum zeylanicum in controlled environments.

Variants and Related Words

• Ceylon cinnamon (n): The common name for the spice produced from this tree.
  • Ceylon cinnamon has a sweeter, more delicate flavor than cassia cinnamon.
• True cinnamon (n): Another common name distinguishing it from other related species like cassia.
  • For authentic flavor, chefs prefer true cinnamon from Cinnamomum zeylanicum.

Synonyms

• Ceylon cinnamon tree: A descriptive synonym emphasizing its geographic origin and product.
• True cinnamon tree: A synonym highlighting its status as the primary source for the spice known as "true" cinnamon.

Related Phrases

• Bark of Cinnamomum zeylanicum: A phrase specifying the part of the tree used.
  • The bark of Cinnamomum zeylanicum is carefully peeled and dried to make cinnamon quills.

Noun

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