Hypertext Webster Gateway: "vanilla"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Vanilla \Va*nil"la\, n. [NL., fr. Sp. vainilla, dim. of Sp.
vaina a sheath, a pod, L. vagina; because its grains, or
seeds, are contained in little pods.]
1. (Bot.) A genus of climbing orchidaceous plants, natives of
tropical America.
2. The long podlike capsules of {Vanilla planifolia}, and {V.
claviculata}, remarkable for their delicate and agreeable
odor, for the volatile, odoriferous oil extracted from
them; also, the flavoring extract made from the capsules,
extensively used in confectionery, perfumery, etc.
Note: As a medicine, vanilla is supposed to possess powers
analogous to valerian, while, at the same time, it is
far more grateful.
{Cuban vanilla}, a sweet-scented West Indian composite shrub
({Eupatorium Dalea}).
{Vanilla bean}, the long capsule of the vanilla plant.
{Vanilla grass}. Same as {Holy grass}, under {Holy}.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
vanilla
n 1: any of numerous climbing plants of the genus Vanilla having
fleshy leaves and clusters of large waxy highly fragrant
white or green or topaz flowers
2: a flavoring prepared from vanilla beans macerated in alcohol
(or imitating vanilla beans) [syn: {vanilla extract}]
3: a distinctive fragrant flavor characteristic of vanilla
beans
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