paneer
UK[pəˈnɪə]US[pəˈnɪr]
n
a soft, white cheese made in south asia, often used in curries and other dishes.
Etymology
the word 'paneer' entered english as a direct borrowing from hindi and urdu, languages of the indian subcontinent. it is derived from the persian word 'panīr', which simply means 'cheese'. the persian term itself has earlier roots in middle persian and ultimately from an old iranian source. unlike many cheese names in english which describe origin or process, 'paneer' traveled as a complete, unanalyzed term for a specific culinary product, retaining its form and core meaning through persian into the languages of south asia and subsequently into global english.
Analysis
this word is a loanword from hindi-urdu and is not productively segmented using english or classical morphemes.
Examples
the spinach curry was rich and creamy, filled with cubes of soft paneer.
for a vegetarian protein source, she often substitutes chicken with paneer in her meals.
making fresh paneer at home involves curdling hot milk with lemon juice or vinegar.