Il*li"ci*um (?), n. [So called, in allusion to its aroma, from L. illicium an allurement.] Bot.
A genus of Asiatic and American magnoliaceous trees, having star-shaped fruit; star anise. The fruit of Illicium anisatum is used as a spice in India, and its oil is largely used in Europe for flavoring cordials, being almost identical with true oil of anise.
© Webster 1913.