sambal
UK[ˈsæmbəl]US[ˈsɑːmˌbɑːl]
n
A spicy paste or condiment made from chili peppers and other ingredients, commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisines.
Etymology
The word 'sambal' entered English from Malay and Indonesian, where it denotes the iconic chili-based condiment. Its origins trace further back to Javanese, a major language of the Indonesian archipelago. The term is a direct linguistic reflection of the culinary tradition it represents, traveling with the dish itself through trade and cultural exchange. As a loanword, it retains its original form and meaning, serving as a specific label for a complex food item without undergoing morphological decomposition in English.
Analysis
This word is a loanword borrowed as a single, unanalyzable unit into English. Its components are not productive morphemes within the English language system.
Examples
The nasi lemak was served with a fiery sambal on the side.
She prepared a homemade sambal using fresh bird's eye chilies and shrimp paste.
You can adjust the heat level of the sambal to suit your taste.