Cumin
/ˈkʌm.ɪn/noun
A flowering plant cultivated for its seeds, which are used as a spice for their distinctive flavor.
Did you know?Cumin has been used since ancient times, not just for cooking but also as an ingredient in rituals to ward off evil spirits.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ḱem-
“to be hot or burning, relating to heat and spice.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
κύμινον (kuminon)
“the plant cumin, often associated with culinary and medicinal uses.”
Latin
Latin
cuminum
“the spice cumin, used in cooking and also noted for its aromatic properties.”
Old French
Old French
cumin
“the spice cumin, borrowed from Latin, still used in culinary contexts.”
Modern English
English
cumin
“the spice known for its distinct flavor, commonly used in various cuisines.”