Etymology

peppermint

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Today it means: A hybrid herb of the mint family (Mentha × piperita), formed by crossing watermint and spearmint, which has a high menthol content and a sharp flavor and is used in cooking, especially in herb teas and in confections. Full definition →

First used 17th c.
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The story

From pepper + mint.

First known use, by meaning

  • from 17th c. A hybrid herb of the mint family (Mentha × piperita), formed by crossing watermint and spearmint, which has a high menthol content and a sharp flavor and is used in cooking, especially in herb teas and in confections.
  • from 18th c. Any of various eucalypts of southeastern Australia whose leaves yield peppermint-like essential oils.
  • from 19th c. Any of various sweets containing extract of the peppermint herb; peppermint confectionery.

Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.