anise

 
Pronunciation: /ˈanɪs/

noun

  • 1a Mediterranean plant of the parsley family, cultivated for its aromatic seeds which are used in cooking and herbal medicine.
    • Pimpinella anisum, family Umbelliferae. See also aniseed
  • 2an Asian or American tree or shrub which bears fruit with an aniseed-like odour.
    • Genus Illicium, family Illiciaceae: many species, especially star anise (I. verum), used in Chinese cooking

Origin:

Middle English: via Old French from Latin anisum, from Greek anison 'anise, dill'