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Eggplant: meaning, definitions and examples

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eggplant

 

[ ˈɛɡplænt ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

culinary vegetable

Eggplant, also known as aubergine, is a dark purple or black fruit that is commonly used as a vegetable in cooking. It belongs to the nightshade family, alongside tomatoes and potatoes. Eggplants are known for their spongy texture and unique flavor, which can absorb other tastes when cooked. They are often used in dishes like ratatouille, moussaka, and baba ghanoush. Aside from their culinary uses, eggplants are also recognized for their nutritional benefits, being low in calories and rich in antioxidants.

Synonyms

aubergine, brinjal

Examples of usage

  • I made a delicious eggplant Parmesan for dinner.
  • The vegetarian lasagna was packed with layers of eggplant.
  • He grilled eggplant slices for a tasty side dish.
  • She loves adding eggplant to her stir-fries.
  • Eggplant is often used in Mediterranean cuisine.

Translations

Translations of the word "eggplant" in other languages:

🇵🇹 berinjela

🇮🇳 बैंगन

🇩🇪 Aubergine

🇮🇩 terong

🇺🇦 баклажан

🇵🇱 bakłażan

🇯🇵 ナス

🇫🇷 aubergine

🇪🇸 berenjena

🇹🇷 patlıcan

🇰🇷 가지

🇸🇦 باذنجان

🇨🇿 lilek

🇸🇰 baklažán

🇨🇳 茄子

🇸🇮 jajčevec

🇮🇸 eggplant

🇰🇿 баклажан

🇬🇪 ბადრიჯანი

🇦🇿 badımcan

🇲🇽 berenjena

Word origin

The word 'eggplant' originated in the United States in the early 18th century, derived from the color and peculiar shape of the fruit. The name is reflective of an earlier European variation of the plant that produced small, white, egg-shaped fruits. In Britain and other parts of the world, the term 'aubergine' is used, which comes from the French word that itself is derived from the Catalan 'albergínia.' This term traces back to the Arabic 'al-badinjan', and ultimately to the Sanskrit 'vatinganah'. The introduction of eggplant to Europe occurred in the Middle Ages, after which it was cultivated throughout the continent, leading to its popularity in various cuisines. Its role in culinary practices has expanded globally, making it a staple in dishes across many cultures.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,168, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.