cumin

noun

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.

1. The flowering plant Cuminum cyminum, in the family Apiaceae.

   “Cumin is native to the region from the eastern Mediterranean to India.”

2. Its aromatic long seed, used as a spice, notably in Indian, Middle Eastern, and Mexican cookery.

   “Cumin was often an ingredient of such love potions since it produced the effect of retention in whoever ate it.”