Meaning & Definition of word "Licorice"
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Licorice
/ˈlɪkərɪʃ/
noun:
- 1. A sweet, chewy candy made from the extract of the root of the licorice plant or a black candy flavored with this substance.
- Example: She offered me a piece of licorice from the candy jar.
- 2. The dried root of the licorice plant, used as a flavoring or medicinal herb.
- Example: Licorice has been used in traditional medicine for its soothing properties.
- 3. A black candy flavored with a specific extract that has a distinctive sweet taste.
- Example: Many people either love or hate the taste of black licorice.
verb:
- 1. To flavor with licorice or make into a licorice-based product.
- Example: They decided to licorice the cake for a unique flavor.
Etymology
Middle English 'licorice', from Old French 'licorice', from Latin 'liquiritia', from Greek 'glykyrrhiza' meaning 'sweet root'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
licorice allsorts:
A mix of various types of licorice candies.
black licorice:
A type of licorice flavored with the actual root, distinct from other flavorings.
licorice tea:
A herbal tea made from licorice root, known for its sweet taste.
Related Words
Glycyrrhiza:
The scientific genus of the licorice plant.
anise:
An herb sometimes confused with licorice, used for flavoring.
confectionery:
A category of food that includes sweets like licorice.
Slang Meanings of licorice
Meaning: Licorice whip
Example Sentence: He got a licorice whip from the candy shop as a treat.
Meaning: Licorice stick
Example Sentence: The kids were chewing on licorice sticks during the movie.