Spice

a general name for a number of aromatic and pungent vegetable substances used for flavoring. They are produced almost exclusively in tropical countries. Most of our spices come from the East Indies and the West Indies. Their aroma and strength lie in essential oils which they contain. The seed, fruit, buds, bark, and root-stocks of various plants are used as spices. See special articles on ALLSPICE; CASSIA; CAYENNE PEPPER; CINNAMON; CLOVES; GINGER; MACE; NUTMEG; PIMENTO; PEPPER; OIL; PERFUME, etc.