spice

 
Pronunciation: /spʌɪs/

noun

  • 1an aromatic or pungent vegetable substance used to flavour food, e.g. cloves, pepper, or cumin: the cake is packed with spices [mass noun]: sift together flour, baking powder, and mixed spice
  • [mass noun] an element providing interest and excitement: healthy rivalry adds spice to the game
  • 2 [mass noun] a russet or ginger colour.
  • 3 [mass noun] Northern English sweets; confectionery.

verb

[with object] (often as adjective spiced)
  • flavour with spice: turbot with a spiced sauce
  • make more interesting or exciting: she was probably adding details to spice up the story

Origin:

Middle English: shortening of Old French espice, from Latin species 'sort, kind', in late Latin 'wares'