basmati
UK[bæzˈmɑːti]US[bɑːzˈmɑːti]
n
A variety of long-grain rice with a distinctive aroma and flavor, traditionally grown in the Indian subcontinent.
Etymology
The word 'basmati' entered English in the late 19th century from Hindi-Urdu 'bāsmatī', which itself derives from Sanskrit 'vāsmati', meaning 'fragrant'. The Sanskrit term is built from the root 'vāsa-' (smell, fragrance) and the suffix '-mati' (possessing). Thus, the name directly and logically describes the rice's most celebrated characteristic: its aromatic quality. The journey from the ancient Sanskrit descriptor to the modern English culinary term illustrates a straightforward borrowing where the original meaning is perfectly preserved.
Analysis
This word is a loanword from Hindi-Urdu, adopted into English as a single, unanalyzed lexical unit. It does not contain separable morphemes within the English spelling system.
Examples
For an authentic biryani, it's essential to use long-grain basmati rice.
The kitchen was filled with the nutty scent of cooking basmati.
This brand of basmati is known for its long, non-sticky grains when cooked.