carob
UK[ˈkær.əb]US[ˈker.əb]
n
the sweet, dark brown powder made from the seeds of a mediterranean tree, used as a substitute for chocolate.
n
the long, dark brown pod containing this powder and the seeds.
n
the evergreen mediterranean tree (ceratonia siliqua) that produces these pods.
Etymology
the word "carob" entered english in the late 16th century from middle french "carobe." this, in turn, came from medieval latin "carrubium," a modification of arabic "kharrūb." the arabic term was borrowed from persian "kharnūb," which ultimately traces back to akkadian "kharūbu." the journey of the word follows the path of the tree and its fruit across the ancient mediterranean and middle east. the meaning has remained consistently tied to the ceratonia siliqua tree and its edible pods throughout its linguistic history, demonstrating how trade and cultural exchange fix the names of specific commodities.
Analysis
the word is a loanword adopted as a single, unanalyzable unit in english.
Examples
she used carob chips instead of chocolate in the cookies for her allergic child.
the old carob tree in the garden provided ample shade with its dense, glossy leaves.
many health food stores sell carob as a caffeine-free alternative to cocoa.