spearmint

/'spiəmint/

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Definition of "Spearmint"

Spearmint is a type of plant that belongs to the mint family. It has bright green leaves and produces small clusters of purplish flowers. Spearmint is known for its fresh, sweet, and slightly spicy flavor. People often use its leaves and the oil extracted from the plant to add flavor to food and drinks.

Usage Instructions

• As a Noun: You can use "spearmint" to talk about the plant itself or the flavor it provides. For example, you might say, "I love the taste of spearmint tea."

Example Sentence

• "I added spearmint leaves to my lemonade to make it taste refreshing."

Advanced Usage

In cooking and baking, spearmint can be used in various ways. It can be added to salads, cocktails, desserts, and sauces. The essential oil of spearmint is also used in candies, gums, and even some medications for its flavor and aromatic properties.

Word Variants

• Spearmint Oil: The essential oil extracted from spearmint leaves, used for flavoring and aromatherapy.
• Spearmint Tea: A herbal tea made from spearmint leaves.

Different Meanings

While "spearmint" primarily refers to the plant, it can also refer to products flavored with spearmint, like chewing gum or toothpaste. For example, "This gum has a strong spearmint flavor."

Synonyms

• Mint (general term for mint plants)
• Peppermint (another type of mint, though it has a stronger flavor)
• Mentha (the scientific genus that includes mint plants)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs that directly involve "spearmint." However, you might hear expressions like "cool as a cucumber," where the idea of coolness can be associated with the refreshing quality of mint.

Summary

To sum up, "spearmint" is a fragrant herb known for its pleasant flavor. It’s commonly used in cooking, beverages, and even personal care products.

Academic

Noun

1. common garden herb having clusters of small purplish flowers and yielding an oil used as a flavoring

Synonyms

• mentha spicata