<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>> annatto annatto also anatto (e-nä´to) also arnatto (är-nä´to) noun plural annattos 1.A tropical American evergreen shrub or small tree (Bixa orellana), having heart-shaped leaves and showy, rose-pink or sometimes white flowers. Also called lipstick tree. 2.The seed of this plant, used as a coloring and sometimes as a flavoring, especially in Latin American cuisine. 3.A yellowish-red dyestuff obtained from the seed aril of this plant, used especially to dye fabric and to color food products such as margarine and cheese. [Of Cariban origin.] Excerpted from The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, Third Edition 1996 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Electronic version licensed from INSO Corporation; further reproduction and distribution in accordance with the Copyright Law of the United States. All rights reserved. Dan & Lynda