allspice

views updated May 11 2018

all·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).

allspice

views updated Jun 08 2018

allspice 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.

allspice

views updated May 14 2018

allspice (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

allspice

views updated May 23 2018

allspice pimento. XVII. f. ALL + SPICE, so called because supposed to combine the flavour of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

allspice

views updated May 18 2018

allspice See PIMENTA.