Turmeric is a bright yellow spice made from the root of a plant in the ginger family. It is used in cooking for flavor and color, and in traditional medicine.
From Middle English "turmeryte" and similar forms, possibly altered from Latin "terra merita" meaning "worthy earth" because of its rich color. The word’s spelling and pronunciation shifted over centuries as it passed through French and English.
Turmeric is what makes many curries and mustards that deep golden color, and it can even stain your fingers like yellow ink. Its active compound, curcumin, is so strong that scientists study it for possible health effects and even use it as a natural dye.
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