cassia

Meanings

1. The spice made from the bark of members of the genus Cinnamomum other than true cinnamon (C. verum), when they are distinguished from cinnamon.
2. Such trees themselves, particularly the Chinese cinnamon, Cinnamomum cassia.
3. Any of several tropical leguminous plants, of the genus Cassia.
4. Any of several tropical leguminous plants, of the genus Senna.
5. The sweet osmanthus (O. fragrans).

Etymology

From Latin cassia (“cinnamon”), from Ancient Greek κασσία, κασία, κάσια (kassía, kasía, kásia), from Hebrew קְצִיעָה (qəṣīʿā), from Aramaic קְצִיעֲתָא (qəṣīʿătā), from קְצַע (qṣaʿ, “to cut off”). Compare Kezia.