Tŭr’mer-ic, n.

(123), n. [Fr. terre-mérite, N. Lat. terra-merita, turmerica.]

1. (Bot.) An East Indian plant of the genus Curcuma.
2. (Med.) The root or root-stock of the Curcuma longa. It is externally grayish, but internally of a deep, lively yellow or saffron color, and has a slight aromatic smell, and a bitterish, slightly acrid taste. It is used for dyeing, and also as a medicine.

☞ This name is sometimes given to the blood-root (Sanguinaria Canadensis) of America, and also to the Hydrastis Canadensis. Bigelow.