◙ noun 1. an aromatic or pungent vegetable substance used to flavour food, e.g. cloves, pepper, or mace • 香料；调味料，调味品 »the cake is packed with spices. 蛋糕里有调味料。 »[mass noun] sift together flour, baking powder, and mixed spice. 把面粉、发酵粉和混合调料筛撒在一起。 [mass noun] an element providing interest and excitement • 情趣，趣味；风味 »healthy rivalry adds spice to the game. 正常的对抗意识能为比赛增加趣味。 [mass noun] [N. English] sweets;confectionery • [北英格兰] 糖果 2. [mass noun] a russet colour • 赤褐色 ◙ verb 1. [with obj.] [often as adj. spiced] flavour with spice • 加香料调味 »turbot with a spiced sauce. 用香料沙司浸渍的大比目鱼。 add an interesting or piquant quality to; make more exciting • 使增添兴趣；使更刺激；使更兴奋 »she was probably adding details to spice up the story. 她也许正添油加醋地把事情说得更有趣些。
【语源】
1. Middle English: shortening of Old French espice, from Latin species 'sort, kind', in late Latin 'wares'