English Explanatory Dictionary

asafoetida

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A resinous gum from the stem and roots of Ferula species such as Ferula foetida and Ferula assa-foetida, having a strong, unpleasant smell, with culinary and medical uses.

Pronunciation

/ˌæsəˈfɛtɪdə/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-asafoetida.wav

Word forms

asafoetida asafoetidas asafetida asfetida assafetida assa-fetida assafoetida assa-fœtida

Etymology

Late Middle English, from Medieval Latin asafoetida, from Persian ازا / آزا (azâ, âzâ, “mastic”) + Latin foetida, feminine of foetidus (“bad-smelling”).

Synonyms

asant hing devil's dung stinking gum
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