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East Indian plant whose aromatic subterranean stem (rhizome) in powdered form is used in several ways (in a seasoning such as curry, a yellow dye, and as a medicine); powdered form of this plant's rhizome; any one of several similar plants. turmericturmer*ic, a. (chem.) of or pertaining to turmeric; resembling, or obtained from, turmeric; specif., designating an acid obtained by the oxidation of turmerol.turmeric paper (chem.), paper impregnated with turmeric and used as a test for alkaline substances, by which it is changed from yellow to brown.turmeric root. (bot.) (a) bloodroot. (b) orangeroot.turmeric turmer*ic , n. [f. terre-mãƒâ©rite, nl. terramerita, turmerica; apparently meaning, excellent earth, but perhaps a corruption of ar. kurkum. cf. curcuma.]