Definition

1. Noun:
   • A plant: An annual herb (Trigonella foenum-graecum) native to southern Europe and Asia, having trifoliate leaves and small white or yellowish flowers.
   • A spice: The small, aromatic, yellowish-brown seeds of this plant, used as a seasoning, especially in curry powders, and also used medicinally.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Plant):
  • Fenugreek is cultivated for its seeds and leaves.
  • The farmer grows fenugreek in his herb garden.
• Noun (Spice):
  • Add a teaspoon of fenugreek to the curry for an authentic flavor.
  • The recipe calls for ground fenugreek.

Advanced Usage

• "Fenugreek seeds": This is the most common specific usage, referring directly to the seeds used as a spice or supplement.
  • Soak the fenugreek seeds overnight before using them in the paste.
• "Fenugreek leaves": Refers to the dried or fresh leaves of the plant, used as an herb (often called in South Asian cuisines).
  • Garnish the dish with fresh fenugreek leaves.

Variants and Related Words

• Methi: (noun) The Hindi name for fenugreek, commonly used to refer to both the fresh leaves and the dried seeds in culinary contexts.
  • The dal is flavored with dried methi.

Synonyms

• Trigonella foenum-graecum: (noun) The botanical Latin name for the fenugreek plant.
• Greek hay: (noun, historical/archaic) An old common name for fenugreek.

Related Phrases

• Fenugreek extract: (noun phrase) A concentrated form used in supplements and traditional medicine.
  • The herbal tea contains fenugreek extract.
• Fenugreek powder: (noun phrase) Ground fenugreek seeds, a common form of the spice.
  • Season the vegetables with fenugreek powder and turmeric.

Noun

1. aromatic seeds used as seasoning especially in curry
2. annual herb or southern Europe and eastern Asia having off-white flowers and aromatic seeds used medicinally and in curry