Definition

Noun: 1. The root of the licorice plant: This refers specifically to the underground part of the plant Glycyrrhiza glabra, which is harvested for use. 2. A flavoring and medicinal substance: The dried root, or an extract made from it, is used to impart a characteristic sweet flavor to products like candy and liqueurs, and for its properties in traditional and herbal medicines.

Usage Examples

• The recipe calls for a small piece of licorice root to steep in the syrup.
• Licorice root is a common ingredient in many natural cough remedies.
• The distinctive taste of this candy comes from licorice root extract.

Advanced Usage

• As an uncountable noun: Often used in a general sense to refer to the substance.
  • This tea contains licorice root.
• As a countable noun: Can refer to individual pieces of the root.
  • He chewed on a stick of licorice root.

Variants and Related Words

• Licorice (noun): More commonly refers to the black candy flavored with licorice root extract, or to the plant itself.
• Liquorice (noun): An alternative spelling, primarily used in British English.
• Glycyrrhiza (noun): The scientific genus name for the licorice plant.
• Glycyrrhizin (noun): The primary sweet-tasting compound found in licorice root.

Synonyms

• Sweet root (descriptive)
• Glycyrrhiza root (scientific)

Notes on Different Meanings

The term "licorice root" is specific and does not commonly have idiomatic or phrasal verb uses. Its meaning is consistently tied to the botanical product used for flavor and medicine. The primary distinction is between the raw root material and the refined extract derived from it.

Noun

1. root of licorice used in flavoring e.g. candy and liqueurs and medicines