[kahr-duh-muh
m] 
| 1. | the aromatic seed capsules of a tropical Asian plant, Elettaria cardamomum, of the ginger family, used as a spice or condiment and in medicine. |
| 2. | the plant itself. |
| 3. | a related plant, Amomum compactum, or its seeds, used as a substitute for true cardamom. |
[kahr-duh-muhn] , car⋅da⋅mum.| car·da·mom (kär'də-məm) n.
[Middle English cardamome, from Old French cardemome, from Latin cardamōmum, from Greek kardamōmon : kardamon, cress + amōmon, an Indian spice.] |