A spicy, fragrant root used as a seasoning or medicine; as an adjective, a light reddish or orange-brown color, especially of hair.
From Old English *gingifer*, from Latin *zingiberi*, from Greek *zingiberis*, originally from an Indic language (compare Sanskrit *śṛṅgavera*). The plant and its name traveled with trade routes from South Asia to Europe. Its color sense came later from the root’s appearance.
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