1. a tropical tree or shrub that produces seeds used to make orange-red dye and food coloring
2. the orange-red coloring or seasoning made from the seeds of this plant

Examples

• The annatto tree grows naturally in Central and South America.
• Many Latin American dishes get their distinctive color from annatto.
• Annatto is commonly used to color cheese and butter.
• The cook added annatto to the rice for a beautiful golden hue.
• You can find annatto seeds in the spice section of specialty stores.
• Traditional recipes often call for annatto as both coloring and flavoring.