coriander

/ˈkɔrɪˌændər/

/ˈkɒriændə/

Other forms: corianders

Coriander is a plant that's used as flavoring in cooking. Both the leaves and seeds of coriander show up in Indian, Mexican, and Thai recipes, among others.

The bright green leaves of coriander are also called "cilantro" in North America, and they're an ingredient in many regional dishes, often appearing as a garnish on both curries and guacamole. Coriander seeds are ground into a spice with a lemony, slightly spicy flavor that's found in many Indian dishes. Coriander has a Greek root, koriannon, which some botanists suspect is related to koris, "bedbug," because of the unripe plant's unpleasant smell.

Definitions of coriander

1. noun

   Old World herb with aromatic leaves and seed resembling parsley
   synonyms: Chinese parsley, Coriandrum sativum, cilantro, coriander plant

   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

   parsley-like herb used as seasoning or garnish
   synonyms: Chinese parsley, cilantro

   type of:

   herb

   aromatic potherb used in cookery for its savory qualities
3. noun

   dried coriander seeds used whole or ground
   synonyms: coriander seed

   type of:

   flavorer, flavoring, flavourer, flavouring, seasoner, seasoning

   something added to food primarily for the savor it imparts