Definition

1. Noun:
   • The aromatic seed of the cumin plant: A small, elongated, ridged seed from the herb Cuminum cyminum, used as a spice. It has a warm, earthy, and slightly bitter flavor and is a key ingredient in many cuisines, particularly Indian, Middle Eastern, and Mexican.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The recipe calls for one teaspoon of toasted cumin seed.
  • Cumin seed is often ground into a powder before use.
  • You can enhance the flavor by frying the cumin seed in oil first.

Advanced Usage

• "to toast cumin seeds": To heat the seeds in a dry pan until they become fragrant and slightly darker. This process releases their essential oils and intensifies their flavor.
  • For the best flavor, always toast cumin seeds before grinding them.

Variants and Related Words

• Cumin (n): The name of the plant () or the spice in general, whether in seed or powder form.
  • Add a pinch of cumin to the curry.
• Ground cumin (n): Cumin seeds that have been pulverized into a powder.
  • The recipe uses both whole cumin seed and ground cumin.

Synonyms

• Cumin (when referring to the seed form).
• Jeera (n): The Hindi word for cumin seed, commonly used in Indian cooking contexts.

Related Phrases

• Cumin seed oil (n): An essential oil extracted from cumin seeds, used in flavoring and traditional medicine.
  • Cumin seed oil is known for its strong aroma.

Noun

1. aromatic seeds of the cumin herb of the carrot family