The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Turmeric \Tur"mer*ic\, a. (Chem.)
   Of or pertaining to turmeric; resembling, or obtained from,
   turmeric; specif., designating an acid obtained by the
   oxidation of turmerol.
   [1913 Webster]

   Turmeric paper (Chem.), paper impregnated with turmeric and
      used as a test for alkaline substances, by which it is
      changed from yellow to brown.

   Turmeric root. (Bot.)
   (a) Bloodroot.
   (b) Orangeroot.
       [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

turmeric root
    n 1: perennial herb of northeastern United States having a thick
         knotted yellow rootstock and large rounded leaves [syn:
         goldenseal, golden seal, yellow root, turmeric
         root, Hydrastis Canadensis]