ancho
UK[ˈæn.tʃəʊ]US[ˈæn.tʃoʊ]
n
A dried poblano pepper, typically dark reddish-brown, used especially in Mexican cooking.
Etymology
The word 'ancho' entered English as a direct borrowing from Mexican Spanish, where 'chile ancho' literally means 'wide chili'. This name refers to the dried form of the poblano pepper, which becomes broad and flat. The Spanish adjective 'ancho' (wide, broad) itself derives from the Latin 'amplus', meaning large, spacious, or ample. In English, the term is used specifically as a noun to denote this particular type of dried chili pepper, central to the flavor profile of many traditional Mexican dishes like moles and sauces.
Analysis
This word is a direct loanword from Spanish. It does not contain separable morphemes within the context of English word formation.
Examples
The recipe calls for one ancho, soaked and blended into the sauce.
Ancho peppers have a sweet, smoky flavor with mild to medium heat.
You can find dried ancho chilies in the international aisle of most supermarkets.