Definition

1. Noun:
   • A small dried berry of the pepper plant: A peppercorn is the dried fruit of the pepper vine (Piper nigrum), used as a pungent spice. It can be used whole or ground into powder.
   • Something of very small value: By extension, a "peppercorn" can symbolize a very small or nominal amount, especially in legal or financial contexts.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The recipe calls for crushing a few black peppercorns.
  • They bought the property for a peppercorn rent, paying only one dollar a year.

Advanced Usage

• "Peppercorn rent": A nominal or token rent that is much lower than the market value, often used in long leases or special agreements.
  • The historic building was leased to the society for a peppercorn rent.

Variants and Related Words

• Pepper (noun): The spice made from ground peppercorns or the plant itself.
  • Add salt and pepper to taste.

Synonyms

• Berry (in the specific botanical context of the pepper fruit).
• Nominal sum / Token payment (in the figurative, legal sense).

Related Phrases

• For a peppercorn: For a very small or insignificant amount of money.
  • He sold the old car for a peppercorn.

Related Idioms

• Peppercorn consideration (Legal term): A consideration (payment or value) in a contract that is minimal but legally sufficient to make the contract binding.
  • The contract was valid due to the peppercorn consideration of one cent.

Noun

1. pungent seasoning from the berry of the common pepper plant of East India; use whole or ground