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licorice
(lɪkərɪʃ, -ɪs)
regional note: in BRIT, also use liquorice
uncountable noun
Licorice is a firm black substance with a strong taste. It is used for making sweets.
licorice in British English
(ˈlɪkərɪs)
noun
the usual US and Canadian spelling of liquorice
licorice in American English
(ˈlɪkərɪʃ; ˈlɪkrɪʃ; occas. ˈlɪkərɪs)
noun
1.
a European perennial plant (Glycyrrhiza glabra) of the pea family, with spikes of blue flowers and short, flat pods
2.
the dried root of this plant or the black extract made from it, used in medicine, esp. as a vehicle and a diluting agent, or as a flavoring
3.
candy flavored with this extract or in imitation of it
Word origin
ME licorys < OFr licorece < LL liquiritia, altered (by assoc. with liquor: see liquor) < L glycyrrhiza < Gr glykys, sweet (see glycerin) + rhiza, root1Image oflicorice
© Aaron Amat, shutterstock