First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1spice
noun \ˈspīs\
: a substance (such as pepper or nutmeg) that is used in cooking to add flavor to food and that comes from a dried plant and is usually a powder or seed
: something that adds interest or excitement
Full Definition of SPICE
1
: any of various aromatic vegetable products (as pepper or nutmeg) used to season or flavor foods
2
a archaic : a small portion, quantity, or admixture : dash b : something that gives zest or relish <variety's the very spice of life — William Cowper>
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Origin of SPICE
Middle English, from Anglo-French espece, espis, from Late Latin species product, wares, drugs, spices, from Latin, appearance, species — more at species
Related to SPICE
2spice
transitive verb
: to flavor (food) with spices
: to add interest or excitement to (something)
spicedspic·ing
Full Definition of SPICE
1
: to season with spices
2
: to add zest or relish to <cynicism spiced with humor — J. W. Dawson> —often used with up
First Known Use of SPICE
14th century
SPICE Defined for Kids
1spice
noun \ˈspīs\
Definition of SPICE for Kids
1
: a seasoning (as pepper or nutmeg) that comes from a dried plant part and that is usually a powder or seed
2
: something that adds interest <My boring routine needs some spice.>
2spice
verb
spicedspic·ing
Definition of SPICE for Kids
: to add something that gives flavor or interest <What did you spice the stew with?> <A new hairstyle spiced up her image.>
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