Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Cumin \Cum"in\ (k?m"?n), n. [OE. comin, AS. cymen, fr. L.
   cuminum, Gr.???????; of Semitic origin, cf. Ar. kamm?n, Heb.
   kamm?n; cf. OF. comin, F. cumin. Cf. {Kummel}.] (Bot.)
   A dwarf umbelliferous plant, somewhat resembling fennel
   ({Cuminum Cyminum}), cultivated for its seeds, which have a
   bitterish, warm taste, with an aromatic flavor, and are used
   like those of anise and caraway. [Written also {cummin}.]

         Rank-smelling rue, and cumin good for eyes. --Spenser.

   {Black cumin} (Bot.), a plant ({Nigella sativa}) with pungent
      seeds, used by the Afghans, etc.