ravioli
UK[ˌræv.iˈəʊ.li]US[ˌræv.iˈoʊ.li]
n
Small pasta cases filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables.
Etymology
The word 'ravioli' was borrowed directly from Italian in the 14th century. The Italian term is a plural form, likely derived from the Old Italian verb 'riavvolgere', meaning 'to wrap up' or 'to wind around', which itself comes from the Latin 're-' (again) and 'involvere' (to envelop). This etymology directly reflects the culinary process of wrapping a filling in a sheet of pasta. The word entered English as a culinary term for the filled pasta dish, retaining its Italian plural form, though it is often treated as a singular mass noun in English usage.
Analysis
The word is a simplex loanword from Italian. It does not contain separable morphemes within its current English spelling.
Examples
The menu featured homemade spinach and ricotta ravioli.
She carefully placed each piece of ravioli into the boiling water.
This sauce pairs perfectly with cheese-filled ravioli.