spice: Meaning and Definition of

spice

Pronunciation: (spīs), [key]
— n., v., spiced, spic•ing.
—n.
  1. any of a class of pungent or aromatic substances of vegetable origin, as pepper, cinnamon, or cloves, used as seasoning, preservatives, etc.
  2. such substances collectively or as material: Cookies without spice can be tasteless.
  3. a spicy or aromatic odor or fragrance.
  4. something that gives zest: a spice of humor in his solemnity.
  5. a piquant, interesting element or quality; zest; piquancy: The anecdotes lent spice to her talk.
  6. a small quantity of something; trace; bit.
—v.t.
  1. to prepare or season with a spice or spices.
  2. to give zest, piquancy, or interest to by something added.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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