peppercorn

UK: ˈpepəkɔːn | US: ˈpepərkɔːrn

Definition

  1. n. the dried berry of the pepper plant, used as a spice

  2. n. (historical) a small or insignificant thing, often used in legal contexts (e.g., "peppercorn rent")

Structure
pepper <spice, from Latin *piper*>corn <grain or seed, from Old English *corn*>
Etymology

The word "peppercorn" combines "pepper," derived from Latin piper (referring to the spice), and "corn," an Old English term for grain or seed. Historically, peppercorns were highly valued in trade, but the term also evolved metaphorically to denote something trivial (e.g., a nominal payment called "peppercorn rent"). The dual meaning reflects both its literal use as a spice and its symbolic role in language.

Examples

  1. Freshly ground peppercorn adds a sharp flavor to the dish.

  2. The landlord charged only a peppercorn rent for the old cottage.

  3. She collected exotic peppercorns from different regions.

  4. In medieval times, peppercorns were worth their weight in gold.

  5. The contract included a peppercorn clause to make it legally binding.