cumin

Definition

The flowering plant Cuminum cyminum, in the family Apiaceae.

Etymology

From Middle English comyn, from Old English cymen (which is cognate with Old High German kumin) and Old French cummin, both from Latin cuminum, from Ancient Greek κύμινον (kúminon), a Semitic borrowing ultimately to be traced to Akkadian 𒂵𒈬𒉡 (Ú.GAMUN /⁠kamūnu⁠/, “cumin”). Possibly related to caraway.

Example Sentences

• "Cumin is native to the region from the eastern Mediterranean to India."
• "Cumin was often an ingredient of such love potions since it produced the effect of retention in whoever ate it."

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