black cumin

1 definition found

black cumin - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Cumin \Cum"in\ (k?m"?n), n. [OE.comin, AS. cymen, fr. L.
     cuminum, Gr. ???????; of Semitic origin, cf. Ar. kamm?n, Heb.
     kamm?n; cf. OF. comin, F. cumin. Cf. Kummel.] (Bot.)
     A dwarf umbelliferous plant, somewhat resembling fennel
     (Cuminum Cyminum), cultivated for its seeds, which have a
     bitterish, warm taste, with an aromatic flavor, and are used
     like those of anise and caraway. [Written also cummin.]
     [1913 Webster]
  
           Rank-smelling rue, and cumin good for eyes. --Spenser.
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     Black cumin (Bot.), a plant (Nigella sativa) with pungent
        seeds, used by the Afghans, etc.
        [1913 Webster]