MYRISTICA Meaning and
Definition
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Myristica is a noun that refers to a genus of flowering trees belonging to the family Myristicaceae. This genus consists of around 150 species of evergreen trees that are native to the tropical regions of Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Pacific Islands. The most well-known and commercially important species within the Myristica genus is Myristica fragrans, commonly known as nutmeg.
These trees typically have dense foliage and can grow to a height of up to 20 meters. They feature large, elliptical leaves and small, fragrant flowers that are usually pale yellow or cream in color. The fruit produced by myristica trees contains a hard seed, known as a nutmeg, enclosed within a bright red or yellow fleshy covering, known as an aril. Both the aril and the seed are highly valued for their culinary and medicinal properties.
The nutmeg seed is used as a spice in various cuisines, adding a warm and slightly sweet flavor to dishes. It is also sought after for its aromatic qualities, often grated or ground for use in desserts, beverages, and savory preparations. Additionally, nutmeg has been used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory, digestive, and analgesic properties.
In conclusion, myristica refers to a diverse group of evergreen trees encompassing several species, most notably Myristica fragrans. This genus is highly valued for its nutmeg seed, which is widely utilized as a spice and in traditional medicine due to its unique flavor and beneficial properties.
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Nutmeg, the kernel of the seed of Myristica fragrans, a small evergreen tree of the tropics; aromatic and slightly narcotic in doses of gr. 5-10 (0.3-0.6).
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for MYRISTICA
- nyristica
- kyristica
- jyristica
- mtristica
- mgristica
- mhristica
- muristica
- m7ristica
- m6ristica
- myeistica
- mydistica
- myfistica
- mytistica
- my5istica
- my4istica
- myrustica
- myrjstica
- myrkstica
- myrostica
Etymology of MYRISTICA
The word "myristica" is derived from the Latin term "myristica", which originally came from the Greek word "myristikē". It refers to the spice, nutmeg, and is derived from the Greek word "myron" meaning "perfume" or "spice". This Greek word is further believed to be derived from "myrizein", meaning "to make fragrant" or "to perfume". Hence, the etymology of the word "myristica" reflects its association with the aromatic and flavorful properties of the nutmeg spice.
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