Clove Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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clove
[kləʊv ]
Definitions
cooking spice
A clove is a dried flower bud from the clove tree, often used as a spice in cooking and baking. They have a strong, pungent flavor and aroma, which can enhance both sweet and savory dishes.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- I added a clove of garlic to the sauce for extra flavor.
- The recipe calls for whole cloves to be used in the marinade.
- Cloves are commonly used in pumpkin pie during the holidays.
botanical term
Clove refers to the flower bud of the Syzygium aromaticum tree, which is native to the Maluku Islands in Indonesia. Apart from its culinary uses, clove oil is also utilized for its medicinal properties.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The oil extracted from cloves is known for its antiseptic properties.
- In traditional medicine, clove is often used to relieve dental pain.
- Clove is a key ingredient in various herbal remedies.
Translations
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Origin of 'clove'
The word 'clove' comes from the Old French 'clou', which means 'nail', a reference to the shape of the dried flower bud resembling a small nail. This got adopted into Middle English from the Old French in the 14th century. Cloves have been used for thousands of years, both as a spice and for their medicinal properties. They were highly sought after in ancient trade routes and contributed to the spice trade's immense value. The Maluku Islands, where cloves were originally cultivated, became known as the 'Spice Islands' due to their rich production of various spices, including cloves. The demand for cloves spurred colonial expansion and led to significant historical events surrounding trade and colonization.