kumkum
noun
kum·kum
ˈku̇mˌku̇m
plural -s
1
: red turmeric powder used for making the distinctive Hindu mark on the forehead
2
: the mark on the forehead made with kumkum
Word History
Etymology
Hindi kuṅkum, from Sanskrit kuṅkuma saffron, perhaps of Semitic origin; akin to Hebrew karkōm saffron, crocus