Star anise
WordNet
noun
(1) Anise-scented star-shaped fruit or seed used in Oriental cooking and medicine
(2) Small shrubby tree of Japan and Taiwan; flowers are not fragrant
(3) Small tree of China and Vietnam bearing anise-scented star-shaped fruit used in food and medicinally as a carminative
WiktionaryText
Noun
- A plant, Illicium verum, used primarily for its star-shaped seed which resembles anise in scent and flavor, and which is used as a spice. Valued for its decorative shape as well as its flavor. Also used commercially as a source of shikimic acid for the production of Tamiflu.