peppercorn
/ˈpɛpərˌkɔrn/
noun
- The dried berry of the pepper plant, used as a spice to add heat and flavor to food.
- The recipe calls for a teaspoon of ground peppercorn.
- Whole black peppercorns are often used in pickling and marinades.
- She crushed a few peppercorns into the sauce for extra spice.
- A very small or insignificant amount, especially in legal or financial contexts.
- He paid a peppercorn for the old car, barely a fraction of its value.
- The contract required a peppercorn payment to make the agreement legally binding.
- The landlord charged a peppercorn rent of just one dollar per year.