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Definition of fenugreek

fenugreek

/ˈfɛn.juː.ɡriːk/
fen · u · greek

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fenugreek Lexical Profile

fenugreek Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The hard, yellowish-brown seeds of the fenugreek plant, used whole or ground as a fragrant, slightly bitter spice in Indian, Middle Eastern, and North African cuisines.

Example

"She lightly toasted the fenugreek before grinding it into the curry powder to release its maple-like aroma."


2

The fresh or dried green leaves of the fenugreek plant, frequently used as a culinary herb to flavor stews, curries, and flatbreads.

Example

"The recipe called for a pinch of dried fenugreek leaves to balance the rich, creamy tomato sauce."


3

An annual leguminous plant (Trigonella foenum-graecum) native to the Mediterranean region and western Asia, characterized by small white flowers and long pods containing aromatic seeds.

Example

"The farmer dedicated a small plot of land to cultivating fenugreek as both a cover crop and a culinary harvest."

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English 'fenigrec', ultimately derived from the Latin 'faenum Graecum', meaning 'Greek hay', reflecting its historical use as animal fodder in Greece and the Mediterranean.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Fenugreek. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 16, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/fenugreek
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