Turmeric (?), n. [F. terre-mérite, NL. terramerita, turmerica; apparently meaning, excellent earth, but perhaps a corruption of Ar. kurkum. Cf. Curcuma.] 1. (Bot.) An East Indian plant of the genus Curcuma, of the Ginger family.
[1913 Webster]

2. The root or rootstock 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 a dye, a medicine, a condiment, and a chemical test.
[1913 Webster]