ginger
ginger Lexical Profile
ginger Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A hot, fragrant spice made from the chopped, powdered, or preserved rhizome of a tropical plant, used extensively in baking, cooking, and beverages.
"The recipe calls for a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger to give the stir-fry a bold flavor."
A person or animal with reddish-brown or orange hair, often used colloquially.
"As a natural ginger, he found that he needed to apply sunscreen frequently when outdoors."
A tropical herbaceous perennial plant (Zingiber officinale) native to Southeast Asia, cultivated for its thick, aromatic edible rhizome.
"Farmers in the tropical region dedicated a large portion of their land to growing ginger."
• adjective
Having a light reddish-brown or orange-brown hue, commonly used to describe human hair or animal fur.
"The shelter adopted out a very affectionate ginger cat yesterday."
Flavored, infused, or made with ginger.
"She poured herself a glass of cold ginger ale to soothe her upset stomach."
• verb
To make something more lively, energetic, or stimulating (frequently used with 'up').
"The marketing director suggested they ginger up the campaign with a new celebrity endorsement."
To flavor or spice food or drink with ginger.
"She gingered the broth heavily to help clear her nasal congestion."
Word Nuance & Usage
The adverb 'gingerly' (meaning cautiously) shares no etymological connection with the spice 'ginger', as it derives instead from the Old French 'gensor' (delicate).
• Rhymes for ginger
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English gingifer, via Medieval Latin gingiber and Greek zingiberis, ultimately from a Middle Indic word such as Pali siṅgivera, meaning 'horn root'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.