Russian ginger

Meanings

1. 1noununcountable

   A perennial plant with aromatic rhizomes, sometimes grown as an ornamental or for its edible root, associated with Russia or Russian varieties.

   Grammar: Used as a mass noun; it does not usually take a plural form.

   Patterns

   • Russian ginger root
   • grow Russian ginger

   The garden center sells Russian ginger as a hardy ornamental.

   She added dried Russian ginger to the tea for a warm, spicy flavor.

2. 2noununcountable

   The rhizome of such a plant, used in cooking or herbal medicine for its pungent taste.

   Grammar: No plural; refers to the substance or root.

   Patterns

   • grated Russian ginger
   • a piece of Russian ginger

   Grate some Russian ginger into the sauce for extra heat.

   He chewed a small piece of Russian ginger to settle his stomach.

Common combinations

Russian ginger root

The recipe calls for fresh Russian ginger root.

dried Russian ginger

Dried Russian ginger is often used in winter remedies.

grow Russian ginger

They grow Russian ginger in the shady part of the yard.

Russian ginger tea

A cup of Russian ginger tea helped her relax.

Synonyms and how they differ

ginger

The general term for the common spice and plant; 'Russian ginger' is a more specific variety or regional name.

rhizome

A technical word for the underground stem of plants like ginger; it does not name the plant itself.

Word family

gingery adjective

Having the taste or smell of ginger.

gingerbread noun

A sweet cake or cookie flavored with ginger.

Commonly confused: Russian ginger or Russian sage?

Practice

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