Gin′ger, n.

n. [O. Eng. gingiber, gingiver, It. gengero, gengiero, gengiuovo, zenzero, zenzorero, Sp. gengibre, Pg. gengivre, Pr. gingebre, Fr. gingembre, from Lat. zingiber, zingiberi, L. Lat. zinziber, Gr. ζιγγίβερις, ζιγγίβερι, Ar. & Pers. zendjebíl, from Skr. sringa-vēra, i. e., horn-shaped, from sringa, horn, and vēra, shape; Ger. ingwer, M. H. Ger. gingeber.] (Bot.) A plant of the genus Zinziber, found in both the East and West Indies. The species most commonly known is Z. officinalis, the hot and spicy root of which is extensively used in cookery and in medicine. London.