English word spice comes from Latin specio (I observe, watch, look at.), Latin -ies
You can also see our other etymologies for the English word spice. Currently you are viewing the etymology of spice with the meaning: (Verb Noun) (transitive) To add spice or spices to. (countable, uncountable) Plant matter (usually dried) used to season or flavour food.. (figurative, uncountable) Appeal, interest; an attribute that makes [...](transitive) To add spice or spices to. (countable, uncountable) Plant matter (usually dried) used to season or flavour food.. (figurative, uncountable) Appeal, interest; an attribute that makes [...]
| Dictionary entry | Language | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| specio | Latin (lat) | I observe, watch, look at. |
| -ies | Latin (lat) | Used to form an abstract noun, usually from an adjective stem. |
| species | Latin (lat) | (figuratively) a kind, quality, type. (figuratively) honor, reputation. (figuratively) vision, dream, apparition. (legal, later) a special case. A seeing, view, look. A spectacle, sight. External appearance; general outline or shape. Semblance, pretence, pretext, outward show. Show, display. |
| species | Late Latin (LL) | |
| espice | Old French (fro) | Spice (for flavor, etc.). |
| spice | English (eng) | (transitive) To add spice or spices to. (countable, uncountable) Plant matter (usually dried) used to season or flavour food.. (figurative, uncountable) Appeal, interest; an attribute that makes something appealing, interesting, or engaging.. (obsolete) Species; kind.. (uncountable, Yorkshire) Sweets, candy. |