frittata
UK[frɪˈtɑːtə]US[frɪˈtɑːtə]
n
an italian dish similar to an omelette, made with eggs and often mixed with vegetables, cheese, or meat, and typically cooked slowly in a pan until set.
Etymology
the word 'frittata' is a direct borrowing from italian, where it is the feminine past participle of the verb 'friggere', meaning 'to fry'. this etymological link reveals the dish's primary cooking method. the italian verb itself descends from the latin 'frigĕre', which carries the same meaning. thus, the literal sense of 'frittata' is 'fried thing', a straightforward description that evolved into the specific culinary term for a thick, set egg dish, distinct from a french-style omelette, through italian culinary tradition.
Analysis
this word is a loanword from italian. it is not productively formed from morphemes within the english spelling system and is therefore treated as a simplex form.
Examples
she prepared a delicious spinach and feta frittata for brunch.
the leftover vegetable frittata tastes even better the next day.
a classic italian frittata is cooked slowly over low heat and not folded.