hominy
UK[ˈhɒm.ɪ.ni]US[ˈhɑː.mə.ni]
n
hulled corn kernels that have been dried and then treated with an alkali, such as lye or lime, used especially in making grits or masa.
Etymology
the word 'hominy' entered english in the early 17th century from the algonquian language family, specifically from a virginia algonquian term recorded as 'rockahominie'. this native american word referred to prepared maize. the process it describes—treating corn with an alkali to remove the hull and improve nutritional value—is a traditional indigenous practice of mesoamerica and north america. the english term, therefore, is a direct linguistic borrowing that carries with it the culinary technology of the native cultures of the americas, preserving the name for this essential foodstuff.
Analysis
the word is a simplex loanword. it is not productively formed from separable english morphemes.
Examples
the traditional recipe calls for soaking dried hominy overnight.
she prepared a hearty stew with chicken, hominy, and chili peppers.
ground hominy is used to make masa for tortillas.