Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
turmeric root

turmeric root

6.0
A thick bright yellow root used as a spice and traditional medicine
  • noun
  • /ˈtɜrmərɪk ruːt/
  • US
translation icon : raíz de cúrcuma
  • The turmeric root has a vibrant yellow color and a distinctive flavor.

Examples

  • I bought some fresh turmeric root at the farmer's market.

  • Native Americans have long used the turmeric root for its medicinal properties.

  • You can find organic turmeric root at some health food stores.

  • The turmeric root is known for its health benefits.

  • Native Americans have long used the turmeric root for its medicinal properties.

  • The turmeric root has a vibrant yellow color and a distinctive flavor.

  • I bought some fresh turmeric root at the farmer's market.

Synonyms

goldenseal
vsturmeric root
  • US
1 9.9

A plant that lives for many years with thick yellow roots used in herbal medicine

describes the plant by its physical features rather than medical use
golden seal
vsturmeric root
  • Specialized
1 8.4

A plant with a thick yellow root used in herbal medicine

gives the same botanical description rather than a variant name
Hydrastis canadensis
vsturmeric root
  • Specialized
9.9

A woodland plant with a thick yellow root used in traditional medicine

is the common everyday name instead of Latin usage
yellow root
vsturmeric root
  • US
9.9

A plant that lives many years with a thick knotted yellow underground stem and large rounded leaves

is the formal botanical label focusing on species identity

Surface Forms

turmeric root singular
turmeric roots plural

Morphology

turmeric + root

The noun phrase is directly compositional: 'turmeric' names the plant and 'root' denotes its underground/edible part, so the phrase refers to the root of the turmeric plant. This simple noun‑noun compounding is a common, cross‑linguistic pattern and any botanical nuance (rhizome vs. rootstock) does not prevent a B1 learner who knows both words from understanding the meaning.

Etymology

The noun turmeric root names the plant's thick, knobbly root of the turmeric plant, which looks a bit like ginger and is bright yellow inside. People have used this root for cooking and for healing for a long time, so 'turmeric root' now simply means that yellow, useful root used as a 'spice' and a 'medicine'.