spice
UK: spaɪs | US: spaɪs
n. 1. A substance used to flavor food, typically made from dried seeds, fruits, or bark.
n. 2. Something that adds interest or excitement.
vt. To add flavor or interest to something.
The word "spice" traces back to the Latin species, meaning "appearance, kind, or goods" (especially exotic commodities). In Old French, it became espice, referring specifically to aromatic trade goods. The morpheme spic reflects the Latin root spec- (to look, as in "speckle" or "speck"), hinting at the visual distinctiveness of spices as prized items. Over time, the meaning narrowed to focus on flavor-enhancing substances.
Cinnamon and nutmeg are common spices in baking.
She added spice to the story with vivid details.
The chef spiced the soup with cumin and coriander.
Travel brings spice to life by exposing us to new cultures.
Medieval traders risked long journeys to obtain rare spices.