crepe
UK[kreɪp]US[kreɪp]
n
A light, thin fabric with a wrinkled surface.
n
A thin pancake, often served with a sweet or savory filling.
Etymology
The English word 'crepe' is a direct borrowing from the French 'crêpe', which itself derives from the Latin 'crispa', the feminine form of 'crispus' meaning 'curled, wrinkled, or crinkled'. This Latin root vividly describes the distinctive textured appearance of the fabric. The culinary sense of a thin pancake, which can be rolled or folded, developed by metaphorical extension from this same concept of a curled or wrinkled form. The term entered English in the late 18th century for the fabric and the 20th century for the food item, retaining its core association with a crinkled texture or shape.
Analysis
The word is a loanword from French, adopted as a single lexical unit. Its spelling and pronunciation were anglicized from the French 'crêpe'.
Examples
She wore an elegant dress made of black silk crepe.
We ordered a savory crepe filled with ham and cheese for lunch.
The chef skillfully flipped the delicate crepe in the pan.