n. [ F., probably through It. zeta, fr. L. zeta. See Zeta. ] The letter Z; -- called also zee, and formerly izzard. “Zed, thou unnecessary letter!” Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ F. zédoaire, LL. zedoaria; cf. It. zedoaria, zettovario, Pg. zedoaria, Sp. zedoaria, cedoaria; all fr. Ar. & Per. zedw&unr_;r. ] (Med.) A medicinal substance obtained in the East Indies, having a fragrant smell, and a warm, bitter, aromatic taste. It is used in medicine as a stimulant. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ It is the rhizome of different species of Curcuma, esp. Curcuma zedoaria, and comes in short, firm pieces, externally of a wrinkled gray, ash-colored appearance, but within of a brownish red color. There are two kinds, round zedoary, and long zedoary. [ 1913 Webster ]