cumin Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun dwarf Mediterranean annual long cultivated for its aromatic seeds
    Cuminum cyminum.
  2. noun aromatic seeds of the cumin herb of the carrot family
    cumin seed.

WordNet

Cum"in noun
Etymology
OE.comin, AS. cymen, fr. L. cuminum, Gr. of Semitic origin, cf. Ar. kammn, Heb. kammn; cf. OF. comin, F. cumin. Cf. Kummel.
Definitions
  1. (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.
    Rank-smelling rue, and cumin good for eyes. Spenser.

Webster 1913