zerumbethttp://www.oed.com/dictionary/zerumbet_n%3Ftab%3Dmeaning_and_usezerumbet, n.
Revised 2018

zerumbetnoun

Now rare and chiefly historical.
  1. 1640–
    The aromatic root of any of several plants of the genus Curcuma (family Zingiberaceae), esp. C. zedoaria, used (formerly) as a medicinal agent and spice. Also: the plant itself. Cf. zedoary n.
    1. 1640
      Garcias ab Orta saith, that Zerumbet (or Zerumba..) groweth plentifully wild in Malavar Calecut, and Cananor.
      J. Parkinson, Theatrum Botanicum xvii. lv. 1612
    2. 1662
      The Zerumbet..likewise growes in these parts, and is like to ginger.
      J. Davies, translation of A. Olearius, Voyages & Travels of J. Albert de Mandelslo ii. 151 in Voyages & Travels of Ambassadors
    3. 1694
      Kua or Zerumbeth of our Shops, a Species of Ginger.
      Philosophical Transactions (Royal Society) vol. 18 278
    4. 1712
      The Zedoary is the long Part of the Plant, serving as a root to the Zerumbeth.
      J. Browne, translation of P. Pomet et al. Compleat History of Druggs vol. I. 33
    5. 1763
      Zerumbeth is a tuberose geniculated root,..of a whitish yellow colour, with an acrid taste, not unlike ginger, and a fragrant smell.
      R. Brookes, New System of Natural History vol. VI. 22
    6. 1861
      The so-called Cassumunar roots, Zedoary roots, and Zerumbet roots of commerce.
      R. Bentley, Manual of Botany ii. iii. 668
    7. 1879
      Curcuma Zerumbet..corresponds exactly in shape and taste and odour with specimens of zedoary or zerumbet root in the museum of this Society.
      Pharmaceutical Journal & Transactions 5 July 21/2
    8. 1909
      Curcuma Zedoaria... This root was formerly used in Europe under the name of zerumbet root.
      Proceedings 57th Ann. Meeting Amer. Pharmaceut. Association 756
    9. 1983
      Zerumbet was known to the Arabs, Persians and Turks by the name zerumba.
      K. S. Mathew, Portuguese Trade India 16th Century iv. 138
    10. 2014
      Zerumbet..is no longer consumed, though its essential oil is used in perfumery.
      Econ. Times (New Delhi) 6 November

zerumbet, n. was revised in June 2018.

zerumbet, n. was last modified in March 2025.