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Glite Dictionary
Elettaria cardamomum

Elettaria cardamomum

9.4
A plant from India with small fragrant seeds used as a spice
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Elettaria cardamomum
  • The seeds of Elettaria cardamomum are often ground and used in traditional Indian desserts.

Examples

  • The distinct flavor of Elettaria cardamomum enhances many curries and baked goods.

  • Farmers in Kerala cultivate Elettaria cardamomum as a major cash crop.

  • I bought some Elettaria cardamomum at the market.

  • The recipe calls for Elettaria cardamomum seeds.

  • The distinct flavor of Elettaria cardamomum enhances many curries and baked goods.

  • Farmers in Kerala cultivate Elettaria cardamomum as a major cash crop.

  • The seeds of Elettaria cardamomum are often ground and used in traditional Indian desserts.

Synonyms

cardamom
vsElettaria cardamomum
6.6

A tropical plant that produces small seeds used to make a spice

focuses on its tropical habitat rather than its lifespan

Surface Forms

Elettaria cardamomum singular
Elettaria cardamomums plural

Morphology

Elettaria + cardamomum

This is a scientific binomial formed from a genus name (Elettaria, described here as tropical plants producing cardamom) and a species epithet referencing cardamom, so a learner who knows those constituent meanings can infer it denotes the cardamom plant. Although it is a Latin name rather than everyday English, the overall meaning is directly derivable from the parts and thus transparent.

Etymology

Elettaria cardamomum is the formal plant name for green cardamom, the 'spice' made from small pods full of tiny, fragrant seeds. Because people in India have long used those strong-smelling seeds in cooking and medicine, the name now brings to mind the spice's flavour and use today.