star anise

/stɑr ˌænəs/

Definitions of star anise

1. noun

   small tree of China and Vietnam bearing anise-scented star-shaped fruit used in food and medicinally as a carminative
   synonyms: Chinese anise, Illicium verum

   type of:

   anise tree

   any of several evergreen shrubs and small trees of the genus Illicium
2. noun

   small shrubby tree of Japan and Taiwan; flowers are not fragrant
   synonyms: Illicium anisatum

   type of:

   anise tree

   any of several evergreen shrubs and small trees of the genus Illicium
3. noun

   anise-scented star-shaped fruit or seed used in Asian cooking and medicine
   synonyms: Chinese anise, star aniseed

   type of:

   spice

   any of a variety of pungent aromatic vegetable substances used for flavoring food