spice Definition

spice
noun

1. Any of various aromatic or pungent substances, such as pepper, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, etc that are derived from plants and used for flavouring food, eg in sauces, curries, etc, and for drinks such as punch.
2. Such substances collectively.
3. Something that adds interest or enjoyment.

Example: Variety is the spice of life
Thesaurus: savour, relish, tang, colour, gusto, kick, life, pep, zest, zip, piquancy.
4. A trace of it

Example: Do I detect a spice of jealousy?
Form: a spice of something (usually)

verb spiced, spicing

1. To flavour with spice.
2. To add interest or enjoyment to something.

Form: spice up (also)

Derivative: spicy

See separate entry spicy.

Etymology: 13c: from French espice, from Latin species species.