Definition

Noun: 1. The rhizome of the turmeric plant (Curcuma longa): A thick, knotted, aromatic underground stem that is bright orange-yellow inside when fresh and deep yellow when dried and powdered. It is widely used as a spice, coloring agent, and in traditional medicine. 2. (Specific botanical reference) A perennial herb (Hydrastis canadensis) of northeastern North America: Also known as goldenseal, it has a thick, knotted yellow rootstock. This is a less common meaning and is often specified by context.

Usage Notes

• The primary and most common meaning refers to the spice turmeric. In this context, "turmeric root" is often used to specify the fresh, whole rhizome, as opposed to the dried powder.
• The secondary meaning refers to a different plant, goldenseal. To avoid confusion, the full botanical name or the common name "goldenseal root" is typically used.

Examples

• Referring to the spice turmeric:
  • The recipe calls for one inch of fresh turmeric root, grated.
  • You can find dried turmeric root at some specialty health food stores.
• Referring to the herb goldenseal (less common):
  • Some herbalists use turmeric root (Hydrastis canadensis) for its purported medicinal properties.

Advanced Usage

• "Fresh turmeric root": Explicitly specifies the uncooked, whole rhizome of .
• "Dried turmeric root": Refers to the rhizome that has been dehydrated, often used for making tea or extracts.

Variants and Related Words

• Turmeric (n): The general term for the spice, most commonly referring to the bright yellow powder.
• Curcumin (n): The main active compound and pigment that gives turmeric its yellow color.
• Rhizome (n): The botanical term for the type of underground stem that turmeric root is.
• Goldenseal (n): The more common name for , used to clearly distinguish it from the spice turmeric.

Synonyms

• For : Indian saffron, curcuma (in some contexts).
• For : Yellow root, orange root, ground raspberry.

Notes on Different Meanings

1. Spice / Culinary Meaning (Primary): The source of the common yellow spice, used in cooking, dyeing, and wellness.
2. Herbal / Botanical Meaning (Secondary & Regional): Refers to goldenseal, a North American herb used in traditional medicine. This usage is declining and can be ambiguous; "goldenseal" is the preferred term.

Noun

1. perennial herb of northeastern United States having a thick knotted yellow rootstock and large rounded leaves