Definition of: fennel

(fen′əl) noun
1. A tall, stout European herb (Foeniculum vulgare) of the parsley family, with finely dissected leaves and yellow flowers: cultivated in the United States for use in sauces and for its aromatic seeds.
2. The seeds of this plant.
—giant fennel An Old World herb (Ferula communis) of the parsley family, sometimes attaining a height of 15 feet. [OE fenugl, fenol <L faeniculum fennel, dim. of faenum hay]