Turmeric

{tur’ -mer-ik) [turmeric a, turmeric]. The Curcuma longa, a plant of the Zingiberaceae. Its rhizome contains a yellow coloring matter, curcumin, C14Hu04. Its solution in alcohol is turned reddish-brown by alkalies, and has been used as a test for the latter. Paper tinged with an alcoholic solution (T.- paper) may be used instead, 640