What is caraway? How to use in English

Discover the meaning of caraway in English, its pronunciation, and how to use it correctly in real-life situations. See examples and easy memorization tips.

Definition & pronunciation of caraway

carawaynoun

cây caraway

/ˈkærəweɪ//ˈkærəweɪ/

Where does the word caraway come from?

The origin of the word "caraway" can be traced back to the Middle English era, where it was spelled as "carue", "caroie", or "kerue". The word's origins are believed to be from the Old English word "herewe", which derives from two Anglo-Saxon words: "hryre", meaning "sharp", and "āweg", meaning "seed". The popularity of caraway as a spice in medieval Europe led to its widespread use in cooking and perfumery. In the future, German settlers brought caraway seeds with them to North America, where the word "caraway" evolved into its present-day English pronunciation. The scientific name for caraway, Carum carvi, comes from the Latin word "carum", which is itself derived from the Greek word "karon", meaning "love cherish". In ancient times, caraway seeds were believed to promote fertility and be a symbol of affection and love, earning the seeds their Latin name. Caraway seeds are still commonly used in various foods and drinks today, including rye bread, licorice, and certain types of cheese. Additionally, their versatility has led to their use in perfumes, mouthwashes, and toothpaste due to their pleasant, somewhat bitter taste and aroma. In conclusion, the origin of the word "caraway" is a testament to the ancient Anglo-Saxon roots of the English language and the spice's rich history in European cuisine and medicine.

Vocabulary summary caraway

typenoun

meaning(botany) caraway (apiaceae)

Example of vocabulary carawaynamespace

  • The rye bread had a distinct flavor from the caraway seeds that were mixed in during baking.
  • The pastrami sandwich at the deli was seasoned with caraway, which gave it a pungent, savory flavor.
  • The caraway seeds in the pickles added a subtle, anise-like flavor that complemented the tangy pickle juice.
  • The traditional pepper nut mixture that my grandmother made always had a touch of caraway, which made it especially fragrant and delicious.
  • In Scandinavian cuisine, caraway seeds are a common addition to corned beef dishes, giving them a warm, slightly spicy flavor.

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