Cumin \Cum"in\ (k?m"?n), n. [OE. comin, AS. cymen, fr. L. cuminum, Gr.???????; of Semitic origin, cf. Ar. kamm?n, Heb. kamm?n; cf. OF. comin, F. cumin. Cf. Kummel.]

(Bot.) A dwarf umbelliferous plant, somewhat resembling fennel (Cuminum Cyminum), cultivated for its seeds, which have a bitterish, warm taste, with an aromatic flavor, and are used like those of anise and caraway. [Written also cummin.]

Rank-smelling rue, and cumin good for eyes. --Spenser.

Black cumin (Bot.), a plant (Nigella sativa) with pungent seeds, used by the Afghans, etc.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)