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]
Black cumin(Bot.), a plant (Nigella sativa) with pungent seeds, used by the Afghans, etc.
, 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.
Etymology
ME f. OF cumin, comin f. L cuminum f. Gk kuminon, prob. of Semitic orig.