Clove

A clove is a small, dried flower bud used as a strong, sweet-spicy seasoning in cooking and baking. It can flavor meats, desserts, and drinks.

“Clove” comes from Middle English “clowe,” from Old French “clou de girofle,” literally “nail of clove,” because of its nail-like shape. The French “clou” means “nail,” from Latin “clavus.”