\Tur"mer*ic\, n. [F. terre-m['e]rite, NL. terramerita,
turmerica; apparently meaning, excellent earth, but perhaps a
corruption of Ar. kurkum. Cf. {Curcuma}.]
1. (Bot.) An East Indian plant of the genus {Curcuma}, of the
   Ginger family.
2. The root or rootstock of the {Curcuma longa}. It is
   externally grayish, but internally of a deep, lively
   yellow or saffron color, and has a slight aromatic smell,
   and a bitterish, slightly acrid taste. It is used for a
   dye, a medicine, a condiment, and a chemical test.

\Tur"mer*ic\, a. (Chem.)
Of or pertaining to turmeric; resembling, or obtained from,
turmeric; specif., designating an acid obtained by the
oxidation of turmerol.
{Turmeric paper} (Chem.), paper impregnated with turmeric and
   used as a test for alkaline substances, by which it is
   changed from yellow to brown.
{Turmeric root}. (Bot.)
(a) Bloodroot.
(b) Orangeroot.