galangal n southeastern Asian perennial with aromatic roots n European sedge having rough-edged leaves and spikelets of reddish flowers and aromatic roots Usage(s) He has a serious crush on the knobby root, along with its Southeast Asian cousin, galangal. In the other hand are a bird's-eye chili, a kaffir lime leaf, a chunk of galangal and a stalk of lemongrass. Synonym(s) Alpinia galanga galingale Cyperus longus