ginger

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gin·ger / ˈjinjər/ • n. 1. a hot fragrant spice made from the rhizome of a plant. It is chopped or powdered for cooking, preserved in syrup, or candied. ∎  spirit; mettle. 2. the Southeast Asian plant (Zingiber officinale, family Zingiberaceae) from which this rhizome is taken. 3. a light reddish-yellow color.• adj. (chiefly of hair or fur) of a light reddish-yellow color.• v. [tr.] 1. flavor with ginger. 2. stimulate; enliven: she slapped his hand lightly to ginger him up.DERIVATIVES: gin·ger·y adj.

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