Word Study
cumin
CIDE DICTIONARY
cumin, n. [OE.comin, AS. cymen, fr. L. cuminum, Gr. ; of Semitic origin, cf. Ar. kammn, Heb. kammn; cf. OF. comin, F. cumin. Cf. Kummel.].
A dwarf umbelliferous plant, somewhat resembling fennel (Cuminum Cyminum ), cultivated for its seeds, which have a bitterish, warm taste, with an aromatic flavor, and are used like those of anise and caraway. [1913 Webster]
"Rank-smelling rue, and cumin good for eyes." [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
cumin, n. (also cummin)
1 an umbelliferous plant, Cuminum cyminum, bearing aromatic seeds.
2 these seeds used as flavouring, esp. ground and used in curry powder.
1 an umbelliferous plant, Cuminum cyminum, bearing aromatic seeds.
2 these seeds used as flavouring, esp. ground and used in curry powder.
Etymology
ME f. OF cumin, comin f. L cuminum f. Gk kuminon, prob. of Semitic orig.
For further exploring for "cumin" in Webster Dictionary Online