pepper

pep•per

[[t]ˈpɛp ər[/t]] n.

1)

a) pln coo the pungent dried berries of the tropical climbing shrub Piper nigrum, used whole, crushed, or ground as a condiment

b) pln any plant of the genus Piper, of the pepper family, several of which yield similar pungent berries

2)

a) pln any of several plants belonging to the genus Capsicum, of the nightshade family, esp. C. annuum and

C. frutescens[/ex]

b) pln the usu. green or red fruit of any of these plants, ranging from mild to very pungent in flavor

c) pln coo the pungent seeds of several varieties of C. annuum or C. frutescens, used ground or whole as a condiment

3) to season with or as if with pepper

4) to sprinkle or cover, as if with pepper; dot

5) to pelt with or as if with shot or missiles

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Etymology: bef. 1000; ME peper, piper, OE pipor (> ON pipari, piparr) < L piper < Gk péperi; cf. OFris piper, D peper, OHG pfeffar (G Pfeffer), all perh. < a common WGmc borrowing < L