Word Study
fennel
CIDE DICTIONARY
fennel, n. [AS. fenol, finol, from L. feniculum, faeniculum, dim. of fenum, faenum, hay: cf. F. fenouil. Cf. Fenugreek. Finochio.].
A perennial plant of the genus Fæniculum (Fæniculum vulgare ), having very finely divided leaves. It is cultivated in gardens for the agreeable aromatic flavor of its seeds. [1913 Webster]
"Smell of sweetest fennel." [1913 Webster]
"A sprig of fennel was in fact the theological smelling bottle of the tender sex." [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
fennel, n.
1 a yellow-flowered fragrant umbelliferous plant, Foeniculum vulgare, with leaves or leaf-stalks used in salads, soups, etc.
2 the seeds of this used as flavouring.
1 a yellow-flowered fragrant umbelliferous plant, Foeniculum vulgare, with leaves or leaf-stalks used in salads, soups, etc.
2 the seeds of this used as flavouring.
Etymology
OE finugl etc. & OF fenoil f. L feniculum f. fenum hay
ROGET THESAURUS
fennel
Condiment
N condiment, seasoning, sauce, spice, relish, appetizer, salt, mustard, grey poupon mustard, pepper, black pepper, white pepper, peppercorn, curry, sauce piquante, caviare, onion, garlic, pickle, achar, allspice, bell pepper, Jamaica pepper, green pepper, chutney, cubeb, pimento, capsicum, red pepper, chili peppers, cayenne, nutmeg, mace, cinnamon, oregano, cloves, fennel, pot herbs, parsley, sage, rosemary, thyme, bay leaves, marjoram, frankincense, balm, myrrh, paprika, saffron, ginger, turmeric.For further exploring for "fennel" in Webster Dictionary Online