mustard

Etymology

From Old French moustarde (French: moutarde), from moust (“must”), from Latin mustum. Compare Saterland Frisian Muster (“mustard”). Displaced Middle English senep, from Old English senep.

Pronunciation

• enPR: mŭsʹ-tərd, IPA^(key): /ˈmʌstəɹd/
• (General Australian) IPA^(key): [ˈmas.təd]
• (UK) IPA^(key): [ˈmʌs.təd]

• Audio (UK)

  (file)

• (US) IPA^(key): [ˈmʌs.tɚd]

• Audio (US)

  (file)

• Hyphenation: mus‧tard

Noun

mustard (usually uncountable, plural mustards)

1. A plant of certain species of the genus Brassica, or of related genera (especially Sinapis alba, in the family Brassicaceae, with yellow flowers, and linear seed pods.
2. Powder or paste made from seeds of the mustard plant, and used as a condiment or a spice.

   When the waitress brought the food I asked her if she had any Dijon mustard.

3. The leaves of the mustard plant, used as a salad.

   Mustard and cress sandwiches.

4. Dark yellow colour, the colour of mustard.

   mustard colour:  

5. The tomalley of a crab, which resembles the condiment.

Adjective

mustard (not comparable)

1. Of a dark yellow colour.
   • 2007, Cincinnati Magazine (page 81)

     Everything about her year-old restaurant, from the minimalist menu (about a dozen items) with refreshingly drivel-free descriptions to the decor (unadorned warm mustard walls, unclothed bistro tables), reflects her love of bringing people to the table for good, simple food that's not eclipsed by bells and whistles.

Derived terms

Related terms

• must (grape juice)

See also

Anagrams

• durmast, murtads