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n. 1. An erect annual plant (Sesamum indicum) native to tropical Asia, widely cultivated for its small flat seeds. 2. The seed of this plant, used as food and as a source of oil. In both senses also called benne, til1. [Middle English sisamie, from Latin sēsamum, from Greek sēsamē, sēsamon, probably ultimately from Akkadian šamaššammū : šamnu, oil; see šmn in the Appendix of Semitic roots + šammu, plant; see śmm in the Appendix of Semitic roots.]  (click for a larger image) sesameSesamum indicum |
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