Definition for GIN'GER

GIN'GER, n. [It. gengiovo; Sp. gengibre; Port. gengivre; Fr. gingembre; G. ingber; D. gember; Sw. ingefära; Dan. ingefer; L. zinziber; Gr. ζιγγιβερις; Arm. zindibel or singebel; Ar. Pers. and Turk. zingibil or zinjibil; Syr. and Ch. nearly the same.]

A plant, or the root of Zingiber officinale, a native of Gingi in China. The roots are jointed, and the stalks rise two or three feet, with narrow leaves. The flower stems arise by the side of these, immediately from the root, naked and ending in an oblong scaly spike. The dried roots are used for various purposes, in the kitchen and in medicine. Encyc.

Return to page 34 of the letter “G”.