Definition of the word sardine

The word "sardine" is derived from the Latin word "sardus," which refers to a type of fish found in the Mediterranean Sea. The Romans called this fish "sardus" because they believed it resembled a land animal called the wild Cat of Sardinia, which was also known as "sardus." The Latin name for the fish eventually made its way into various European languages, including French, where it became "sardine." In Old French, the word was "sardoune," which is a variant of the Latin "sardus." The English word "sardine" has an interesting origin. When the fish became a popular food item in England during the 17th century, the term "sardine" was used to describe various types of oily fish, including the species we know today. However, the modern meaning of the word only refers to the small, oily fish that are commonly canned and sold in supermarkets. In summary, the word "sardine" comes from the Latin "sardus" and has been adopted into various European languages, including French and English, by way of the Old French variant "sardoune." The meaning of the word has evolved over time, with the modern definition describing a small, oily fish that is commonly preserved in cans.