mustard
UK: ˈmʌstəd | US: ˈmʌstərd
n. a pungent yellow or brown paste made from the seeds of a plant, used as a condiment
n. the plant whose seeds are used to make this condiment (genus Brassica or Sinapis)
n. a brownish-yellow color resembling the condiment
The word "mustard" traces back to Latin mustum ardens ("burning must"), referring to the practice of mixing ground mustard seeds with unfermented grape juice (mustum). The suffix -ard (from Old French) denotes a characteristic quality, here emphasizing the condiment's pungency. Over time, mustum ardens condensed into Old French moustarde, later borrowed into Middle English as "mustard." The connection to "burning" reflects the plant's sharp, spicy flavor.
She spread mustard on her sandwich for extra flavor.
The recipe calls for a teaspoon of Dijon mustard.
Fields of yellow mustard flowers bloomed in spring.
His tie was a bright shade of mustard.
Mustard seeds are often used in Indian cooking.