paddy
UK[ˈpædi]US[ˈpædi]
n
a field where rice is grown
n
rice that is still in its husk; unhusked rice
Etymology
the word 'paddy' entered english in the 17th century from the malay word 'padi', meaning 'rice in the straw' or 'rice plant'. the malay term itself is believed to have originated from a proto-austronesian source. the word's journey into english reflects european colonial trade and agricultural contact in southeast asia. its meaning specialized in english to refer both to the unhusked rice grain and, by extension, the irrigated field in which it is cultivated, solidifying its association with rice production.
Analysis
this word is a loanword adopted into english as a simplex unit. it does not contain separable morphemes within its modern english spelling.
Examples
the farmers were working knee-deep in the muddy paddy.
the harvested paddy was spread out to dry in the sun.
the landscape was a patchwork of green paddies.