allspice
oxford
views updated May 11 2018all·spice / ˈôlˌspīs/ •
n. 1. the dried aromatic fruit of a West Indian tree, used whole or ground as a culinary spice. 2. a tree (Pimenta dioica) of the myrtle family from which this spice is obtained. Also called pimento. 3. an aromatic North American tree or shrub (genus Calycanthus, family Calycanthaceae).
The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English
allspice
oxford
views updated Jun 08 2018allspice Dried fruits of the evergreen plant
Pimenta officinalis, also known as pimento (as distinct from
pimiento) or Jamaican pepper. The name allspice derives from the aromatic oil, which has an aroma similar to a mixture of
cloves,
cinnamon, and
nutmeg. Used to flavour meat and in baking.
A Dictionary of Food and Nutrition DAVID A. BENDER
allspice
oxford
views updated May 14 2018allspice (pimento) Aromatic tree native to the
West Indies and
Central America. The fruits are used as a spice, in perfume and in medicine. Height: up to 12m (40ft). Family Myrtaceae; species Pimenta officinalis
World Encyclopedia
allspice
oxford
views updated May 23 2018allspice pimento. XVII. f.
ALL +
SPICE, so called because supposed to combine the flavour of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD
allspice
oxford
views updated May 18 2018 A Dictionary of Plant Sciences MICHAEL ALLABY
