star anise Syllabification: (star an·ise)Definition of star anise noun 1a small star-shaped fruit with one seed in each arm. It has an aniseed flavor and is used unripe as a spice in Asian cooking. 2the small Chinese evergreen tree from which star anise is obtained. Also called Chinese anise.Illicium verum, family Illiciaceae star anise in other Oxford dictionaries Definition of star anise in the British & World English dictionary
