cur·cu·ma \ˈkərkyəmə\noun Etymology: New Latin, from Arabic kurkum saffron, crocus 1. a.capitalized: a genus of Old World tropical herbs (family Zingiberaceae) having tuberous roots and spicate flowers, some members having roots that yield starch — see turmeric, zedoary b.-s: any plant of the genus Curcuma 2.-s a.: an arrowroot obtained from a curcuma b.: turmeric 1a(2)