cheese
UK[tʃiːz]US[tʃiːz]
n
A food made from the pressed curds of milk, typically produced in a wide range of flavors and textures.
Etymology
The word "cheese" has a deliciously ancient lineage, tracing back to the Proto-Indo-European root kwat-, which meant "to ferment, become sour." This concept is central to cheesemaking. This root gave rise to the Latin word 'cāseus', meaning cheese, which was then borrowed into the West Germanic languages. The Old English form 'cēse' evolved naturally through Middle English to become our modern "cheese." The word's journey encapsulates the history of the dairy product itself, moving from a basic process of fermentation to a staple food with countless varieties.
Analysis
The word is a simplex loanword. Its direct source is the Old English 'cēse' or 'cȳse', from the West Germanic kāsī, which was borrowed from the Latin 'cāseus' (meaning cheese).
Examples
She grated some Parmesan cheese over the pasta.
The sandwich is made with Swiss cheese and ham.
This shop sells a wide variety of artisan cheeses.