1 asafetida | Definition of asafetida

asafetida

noun
asa路​fet路​i路​da | \ 藢a-s蓹-藞fe-t蓹-d蓹 How to pronounce asafetida (audio) , -藞f膿-; Southern also -藞fi-t蓹-d膿\
variants: or asafoetida

Definition of asafetida

: the dried fetid gum resin of the root of several west Asian plants (genus Ferula) of the carrot family used as a flavoring especially in Indian cooking and formerly used in medicine especially as an antispasmodic and in folk medicine as a general prophylactic against disease

Examples of asafetida in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Stir in the asafetida (if using) and then add the chiles. CBS News, "The Dish: Chef Priya Krishna reveals her signature recipes," 15 June 2019 Chaat masala is an otherworldly spice mixture in Indian cuisine often consisting of amchoor (dry mango powder), cumin, coriander, black salt (also known as kala namak), asafetida (sort of like Indian MSG), and chili powder. Priya Krishna, Bon Appetit, "The Indian Spice Mix I Put on Almond Butter Toast, and Everything Else Honestly," 7 May 2018 Add curry leaves, chiles, and asafetida (if using) and cook, stirring occasionally, until curry leaves are slightly darkened, about 45 seconds. Bon Appetit, "Chickpea Sundal," 19 June 2017 Add curry leaves, chiles, and asafetida (if using) and cook, stirring occasionally, until curry leaves are slightly darkened, about 45 seconds. Bon Appetit, "Chickpea Sundal," 19 June 2017 Chaat Masala Another blend, with cumin, coriander, dried ginger, black salt, pepper, amchoor (dried mango powder), asafetida, and more. Kurt Soller, Bon Appetit, "7 Mouthwatering Indian Grilling Recipes," 1 June 2017 On top goes chaat masala, a collage of spices haunted by the smoky spoor of black salt; amchur, tart green mango powder; and asafetida, with its faint evocation of meat. Ligaya Mishan, New York Times, "Mumbai Xpress, a Good Reason to Stray for a Snack," 25 Nov. 2016 From the city of Mangalore on the Arabian Sea comes kori gassi, a very mild and irresistible chicken stew; coriander, asafetida and curry leaves season the coconut milk. Pete Wells, New York Times, "Sahib, in Curry Hill, Lets You Eat All Over India," 21 Feb. 2017 Chaat Masala Another blend, with cumin, coriander, dried ginger, black salt, pepper, amchoor (dried mango powder), asafetida, and more. Kurt Soller, Bon Appetit, "7 Mouthwatering Indian Grilling Recipes," 1 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'asafetida.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of asafetida

14th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for asafetida

Middle English asafetida, from Medieval Latin asafoetida, from Persian az膩 mastic + Latin foetida, feminine of foetidus fetid

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More Definitions for asafetida

asafetida

noun
asa路​fet路​i路​da
variants: or asafoetida \ 藢as-​蓹-​藞fit-​蓹d-​膿 How to pronounce asafoetida (audio) , -​藞fet-​蓹d-​蓹 How to pronounce asafoetida (audio) \

Medical Definition of asafetida

: the fetid gum resin of the root of an Asian plant (Ferula assa-foetida) of the carrot family (Umbelliferae) that is used as an herbal remedy (as in the treatment of asthma, whooping cough, and flatulence)

More from Merriam-Webster on asafetida

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about asafetida