cardamom

/ˈkɑrdəməm/

/ˈkɑdəməm/

Other forms: cardamoms

Cardamom is a strong-flavored spice that comes from the seeds of a plant. Authentic chai tea is flavored with many spices, including cardamom.

When the seed pod of a cardamom plant is dried and ground, the resulting spice smells smoky and distinctive. Since cardamom is native to India and other parts of South Asia, it's a common flavoring in many Indian dishes. It also happens to be one of the most expensive spices in the world, along with saffron and vanilla. The word has a Greek root, kardamomon, combining kardamon, "cress," and amomon, "spice plant."

Definitions of cardamom

1. noun

   rhizomatous herb of India having aromatic seeds used as seasoning
   synonyms: Elettaria cardamomum, cardamon

   type of:

   herb, herbaceous plant

   a plant lacking a permanent woody stem; many are flowering garden plants or potherbs; some having medicinal properties; some are pests
2. noun

   aromatic seeds used as seasoning like cinnamon and cloves especially in pickles and barbecue sauces
   synonyms: cardamon, cardamum

   type of:

   flavorer, flavoring, flavourer, flavouring, seasoner, seasoning

   something added to food primarily for the savor it imparts