Cum"in (k?m"?n), n. [OE.comin, AS. cymen, fr. L. cuminum, Gr.; of Semitic origin, cf. Ar. kammn, Heb. kammn; cf. OF. comin, F. cumin. Cf. Kummel.] Bot.
A dwarf umbelliferous plant, somewhat resembling fennel (Cuminum Cyminum), cultivated for its seeds, which have a bitterish, warm taste, with an aromatic flavor, and are used like those of anise and caraway.
[Written also
cummin.]
Rank-smelling rue, and cumin good for eyes.
Spenser.
Black cumin Bot., a plant (Nigella sativa) with pungent seeds, used by the Afghans, etc.
© Webster 1913.