A small herb with tiny leaves and a strong smell, used to flavor food. It is often used in soups, meats, and Mediterranean dishes.
From Old French 'thym' from Latin 'thymum,' from Greek 'thýmon,' likely related to a word meaning 'to sacrifice' because it was burned as incense. The plant was valued in ancient Greece for its fragrance and supposed health powers. It spread across Europe both as medicine and as a cooking herb.
Though it’s spelled like 'thy-me,' it’s pronounced just like 'time,' which confuses many learners. In ancient cultures, thyme was linked to courage and was even put in armor and baths. Your kitchen spice rack is full of plants that once doubled as magic and medicine.
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