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