Parmesan
UK[ˌpɑːmɪˈzæn]US[ˈpɑːrməˌzɑːn]
n
A hard, dry Italian cheese used especially in grated form.
Etymology
The word 'Parmesan' entered English in the early 16th century from the French 'parmesan', itself borrowed from Italian 'parmigiano'. The Italian term is a demonym, literally meaning "of or from Parma," the capital city of the Emilia-Romagna region. The name of the city, Parma, is of ancient, likely Etruscan origin, though its precise meaning is uncertain. Thus, the term directly links the celebrated cheese to its prestigious geographic and cultural birthplace, evolving from a simple place-name into a globally recognized culinary designation.
Analysis
The word is a loanword adopted as a single unit from Italian. It is derived from the Italian adjective 'parmigiano', meaning 'of Parma', the city in Italy where the cheese originated.
Examples
She sprinkled freshly grated Parmesan over the pasta.
A good Parmigiano-Reggiano is the true, protected name for Parmesan cheese from Italy.
The recipe calls for half a cup of shredded Parmesan.