English Explanatory Dictionary

grains of paradise

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. The seeds or seed capsules of Aframomum melegueta, used as a medicine and spice, especially as a substitute for black pepper and in flavoring alcoholic beverages.
  2. Aframomum melegueta itself, a herbaceous perennial plant native to the swamps of the West African coast.

Word forms

grains of paradise grain of paradise grains o' paradise

Etymology

From medieval spice traders claiming that the spice grew only in Eden, in order to inflate prices. Cf. French graines de paradis.

Synonyms

guinea grains Guinea pepper malagueta melegueta alligator pepper malagueta pepper cardamom
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