asafetida
noun
asa·fet·i·da ˌa-sə-ˈfe-tə-də 
-ˈfē-
-ˈfē- Southern also
-ˈfi-tə-dē variants or asafoetida
: the dried fetid gum resin of the root of several west Asian plants (genus Ferula) of the carrot family used as a flavoring especially in Indian cooking and formerly used in medicine especially as an antispasmodic and in folk medicine as a general prophylactic against disease
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Decrease the heat to low and stir in the cayenne, turmeric, cumin, coriander and asafetida until combined. 
Washington Post, 4 Jan. 2022 This one was burnt orange in color and made with red chiles, black lentils, curry leaves, mustard seeds, and asafetida. Priya Krishna, Bon Appétit, 18 Mar. 2020 This can be a combination of fried asafetida and cumin (in the north), curry leaves and coconut (in the south), or even just boatloads of cream (in Punjab). Saveur, 27 Oct. 2016 This slightly spicy amalgam of tomatoes, garlic, salt, black mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, turmeric, asafetida, tamarind, sesame oil, and sugar is exactly what my salmon needs. Carey Polis, Bon Appétit, 11 Oct. 2019 Stir in the asafetida (if using) and then add the chiles. CBS News, 15 June 2019 Chaat masala is an otherworldly spice mixture in Indian cuisine often consisting of amchoor (dry mango powder), cumin, coriander, black salt (also known as kala namak), asafetida (sort of like Indian MSG), and chili powder. Priya Krishna, Bon Appetit, 7 May 2018 Add curry leaves, chiles, and asafetida (if using) and cook, stirring occasionally, until curry leaves are slightly darkened, about 45 seconds. Bon Appetit, 19 June 2017 Add curry leaves, chiles, and asafetida (if using) and cook, stirring occasionally, until curry leaves are slightly darkened, about 45 seconds. Bon Appetit, 19 June 2017 See More
Washington Post, 4 Jan. 2022 This one was burnt orange in color and made with red chiles, black lentils, curry leaves, mustard seeds, and asafetida. Priya Krishna, Bon Appétit, 18 Mar. 2020 This can be a combination of fried asafetida and cumin (in the north), curry leaves and coconut (in the south), or even just boatloads of cream (in Punjab). Saveur, 27 Oct. 2016 This slightly spicy amalgam of tomatoes, garlic, salt, black mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, turmeric, asafetida, tamarind, sesame oil, and sugar is exactly what my salmon needs. Carey Polis, Bon Appétit, 11 Oct. 2019 Stir in the asafetida (if using) and then add the chiles. CBS News, 15 June 2019 Chaat masala is an otherworldly spice mixture in Indian cuisine often consisting of amchoor (dry mango powder), cumin, coriander, black salt (also known as kala namak), asafetida (sort of like Indian MSG), and chili powder. Priya Krishna, Bon Appetit, 7 May 2018 Add curry leaves, chiles, and asafetida (if using) and cook, stirring occasionally, until curry leaves are slightly darkened, about 45 seconds. Bon Appetit, 19 June 2017 Add curry leaves, chiles, and asafetida (if using) and cook, stirring occasionally, until curry leaves are slightly darkened, about 45 seconds. Bon Appetit, 19 June 2017 See More Word History
Etymology
Middle English asafetida, from Medieval Latin asafoetida, from Persian azā mastic + Latin foetida, feminine of foetidus fetid
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
asafetida
noun
asa·fet·i·da
variants or asafoetida
ˌas-ə-ˈfit-əd-ē -ˈfet-əd-ə
-ˈfet-əd-ə : the fetid gum resin of the root of an Asian plant (Ferula assa-foetida) of the carrot family (Umbelliferae) that is used as an herbal remedy (as in the treatment of asthma, whooping cough, and flatulence)