shiso
shiso Lexical Profile
shiso Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The edible leaf of this plant, possessing a complex flavor reminiscent of mint, basil, and anise, frequently used as a garnish or ingredient in Japanese cuisine.
"The chef carefully placed a vibrant green shiso leaf beneath the freshly sliced tuna sashimi."
An Asian plant of the mint family (Perilla frutescens var. crispa), characterized by its deeply serrated, aromatic leaves that grow in green or reddish-purple varieties.
"The gardener planted a row of green shiso next to the basil and cilantro."
Word Nuance & Usage
Frequently referred to as 'Japanese mint' or 'perilla', though shiso refers specifically to the culinary varieties used in Japanese cuisine, distinct from other perilla cultivars.
• Rhymes for shiso
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed from Japanese 'shiso' (紫蘇), which ultimately derives from Middle Chinese 'tsí-su' (purple perilla).
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.