cardamon

noun

1. the aromatic seed capsules of a tropical Asian plant, Elettaria cardamomum, of the ginger family, used as a spice or condiment and in medicine.
2. the plant itself.
3. a related plant, Amomum compactum, or its seeds, used as a substitute for true cardamom.

noun

1. a tropical Asian zingiberaceous plant, Elettaria cardamomum, that has large hairy leaves
2. the seeds of this plant, used esp as a spice or condiment
3. a related East Indian plant, Amomum cardamomum, whose seeds are used as a substitute for cardamom seeds

n.

1550s, from French cardamome, from Latin cardamomum, from Greek kardamomon, from kardamon “cress” (of unknown origin) + amomon “spice plant.” The word was in English from late 14c. in Latin form.