Definition

Noun 1. The small, kidney-shaped seed of the opium poppy plant (Papaver somniferum): A tiny, edible seed, typically blue-grey to black in color, harvested from the dried seed pod of the poppy flower. It is used as a culinary ingredient, either whole or ground.

Usage and Examples

• As a culinary ingredient:
  • The bagel was topped with poppy seeds.
  • The recipe calls for two tablespoons of poppy seed filling.
• Describing the seed itself:
  • A single poppy seed is so small it can get stuck in your teeth.

Advanced Usage

• "Poppy seed" as a modifier: The term is frequently used attributively (like an adjective) to describe other nouns, indicating that something contains or is made with poppy seeds.
  • She bought a poppy seed muffin.
  • The cake had a poppy seed crust.

Variants and Related Words

• Poppyseed: An alternative, often single-word spelling (e.g., poppyseed dressing).
• Poppy seed filling/paste: A sweet preparation made by grinding poppy seeds and mixing them with milk, butter, sugar, or honey, commonly used in Central and Eastern European pastries.

Synonyms and Near-Synonyms

• Edible seed: A general descriptive term.
• Culinary seed: A general term highlighting its use in food.

Notes on Different Meanings

• The term "poppy seed" refers specifically to the seed itself for culinary use. It is distinct from other parts of the poppy plant or its derivatives.
• It should not be confused with the source plant's name ("opium poppy") or other products derived from it, which have different legal and culinary statuses.

Noun

1. small grey seed of a poppy flower; used whole or ground in baked items