How did licorice get its name?

Answer 1

The name "licorice" comes from the Greek word "glycyrrhiza," which is derived from "glykys," meaning "sweet," and "rhiza," meaning "root." This reflects the plant's sweet flavor, which is primarily due to the compound glycyrrhizin found in its roots. The term evolved through Latin and Old French before becoming the English word "licorice." The plant has been used for centuries in various cultures for its flavor and medicinal properties.