1. 1. A Mediterranean perennial plant (Glycyrrhiza glabra) having blue flowers, pinnately compound leaves, and a sweet, distinctively flavored root.
   2. The root of this plant, used as a flavoring in candy, liqueurs, tobacco, and medicines.
   3. A confection made from or flavored with the licorice root.
2. Any of various similar plants.

[Middle English, from Old French, from Late Latin liquirītia, alteration (influenced by Latin liquēre, to flow) of Latin glycyrrhiza, root of licorice, from Greek glukurrhiza : glukus, sweet + rhiza, root.]

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.