Car"a*mel (?), n. [F. caramel (cf. Sp. caramelo), LL. canna mellis, cannamella, canamella, calamellus mellitus, sugar cane, from or confused with L. canna reed + mel, mellis, honey. See Cane.]
1. Chem.
Burnt sugar; a brown or black porous substance obtained by heating sugar. It is soluble in water, and is used for coloring spirits, gravies, etc.
2.
A kind of confectionery, usually a small cube or square of tenacious paste, or candy, of varying composition and flavor.
© Webster 1913.