manioc
UK[ˈmanɪɒk]US[ˈmæniˌɑːk]
n
A tropical plant with starchy roots, from which cassava and tapioca are prepared.
n
The starch or flour obtained from the root of this plant.
Etymology
The word manioc entered English in the late 16th century, borrowed from the French 'manioc'. The French term was itself adopted from the Portuguese 'mandioca', which derived from the Tupi word 'mani'oka'. Tupi is an indigenous language family of Brazil, reflecting the plant's origin in South America. The term traveled to Europe with explorers and colonists, becoming the standard English name for the plant that provides cassava, a crucial staple food in tropical regions. Its journey from a native Tupi term to a global English word exemplifies the linguistic transfer of flora names through colonial trade routes.
Analysis
The word 'manioc' is a simplex loanword. It originates from the Tupi (South American indigenous language) word 'mani'oka', via Portuguese and French.
Examples
The villagers cultivated manioc as their primary source of carbohydrates.
Manioc flour is a common ingredient in many Brazilian dishes.
The process of detoxifying bitter manioc is essential to make it safe for consumption.