matzah
UK[ˈmɑːtsə]US[ˈmɑːtsə]
n
A thin, crisp unleavened bread, traditionally eaten during Passover.
Etymology
The word 'matzah' is a transliteration of the Hebrew מַצָּה (maṣṣâ), which itself derives from a root meaning "to drain out" or "to suck." This etymological sense is linked to the bread's preparation, as the dough is not allowed to ferment or rise, symbolizing the haste with which the Israelites left Egypt, draining their time for leavening. The term entered English in the 19th century through Yiddish (מצה, matse), reflecting the cultural and religious transmission of Jewish traditions. In English, it specifically denotes the unleavened bread central to the observance of Passover, retaining its original form and core meaning.
Analysis
This word is a direct loanword from Hebrew (מַצָּה, maṣṣâ). It is not productively segmented using English morphemes.
Examples
We break the middle matzah during the Passover Seder.
The matzah was crisp and had a simple, toasted flavor.
She used ground matzah to make matzah ball soup.