Definition

A type of plant from eastern Asia with strong-smelling roots that are used in cooking and medicine.

Example

Galangal is often used in Thai cuisine to add a unique flavor to dishes.

Conversation

Have you ever tried cooking with galangal?

No, I haven't! What does it taste like?

It's a bit like ginger but with a more aromatic flavor.

That sounds interesting! I should definitely give galangal a try.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Galangal originates from the Malay word 'lengkuas', which refers to a type of rhizome used in cooking. The term has been adopted into English to describe this specific spice.

Memory Tip

Think of the Malay word 'lengkuas' that refers to a spice — this helps you remember that 'galangal' is a type of rhizome used in cooking.

Visually Confused Words