especia

spice

noun eh-SPEH-syah Rare

Usage Note

Especia refers specifically to dried aromatic spices used in cooking, such as canela (cinnamon) or comino (cumin). Don't confuse it with especie (species/kind) — they look similar but mean very different things. Plural especias is common when discussing spice blends or the spice rack (especiero).

Examples

"Añade una pizca de esa especia al guiso."

Natural Translation

Add a pinch of that spice to the stew.

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