allspice
allspice Lexical Profile
• noun
A pungent, aromatic culinary spice made from the dried unripe berries of a Caribbean myrtle tree (Pimenta dioica), having a warm flavor reminiscent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
"The recipe for traditional Jamaican jerk seasoning calls for a generous amount of freshly ground allspice."
The tropical evergreen tree (Pimenta dioica) of the myrtle family (Myrtaceae), native to the West Indies and Central America, cultivated for its aromatic berries and leaves.
"Groves of allspice thrive in the warm, humid limestone hills of Jamaica."
Any of several ornamental deciduous shrubs of the genus Calycanthus (especially Carolina allspice, Calycanthus floridus) native to North America, cultivated for their fragrant, dark reddish-brown to maroon strap-petaled flowers and spicy-scented foliage.
"We planted a Carolina allspice near the garden path so visitors could enjoy its sweet, fruity blossoms in late spring."
Word Nuance & Usage
Despite its name, allspice is not a blend of multiple spices (like five-spice powder or pumpkin pie spice), but rather the dried berry of a single Caribbean tree.
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in English in the early 17th century from 'all' and 'spice', because its aromatic flavor was thought to combine the qualities of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.