kale
UK[keɪl]US[keɪl]
n
a type of cabbage with green or purple curly leaves that do not form a round head
n
the leaves of this plant eaten as a vegetable
Etymology
the word "kale" entered english from the old norse "kal", a term for cabbage, during the period of viking settlement and influence. this norse word itself was borrowed from the latin "caulis", which broadly meant "stem" or "stalk" of a plant. this latin root is the shared ancestor for several related vegetables in european languages, including "cole" in scottish english and the german "kohl". over time, the specific english term "kale" became specialized to refer to the loose-leafed, often curly variety of brassica oleracea, distinguishing it from the headed cabbage, while retaining its core association with edible leafy greens descended from a common stalk.
Analysis
the word "kale" is a simplex word. it is a loanword from middle english, which borrowed it from old norse "kal". its ultimate origin is the latin word "caulis", meaning "stem" or "stalk". in english, it functions as a single, unanalyzable lexical unit.
Examples
i added fresh kale to my morning smoothie for extra nutrients.
the farmer's market had several varieties of kale, including lacinato and red russian.
sautéed kale with garlic makes a simple and healthy side dish.