schnitzel
UK[ˈʃnɪts(ə)l]US[ˈʃnɪts(ə)l]
n
a thin slice of meat, typically veal, that is coated in breadcrumbs and fried.
Etymology
the word 'schnitzel' entered english directly as a culinary loanword from german. its german origin, 'schnitzel', is a diminutive form derived from 'schnitz', meaning a slice or a cut, which traces back to the middle high german 'sniz' and the old high german 'snidan', meaning 'to cut'. this etymological root is shared with the english word 'snide', though their meanings diverged significantly. the term specifically refers to the method of preparation—a thin, cut piece of meat—and became internationally recognized through the popularity of dishes like wiener schnitzel.
Analysis
this word is a loanword from german. it is not productively segmented into meaningful morphemes in english. the german word 'schnitzel' is derived from 'schnitz', meaning 'slice' or 'cut', which itself comes from the verb 'schnitzen', meaning 'to carve'.
Examples
we went to the german restaurant and i ordered a classic wiener schnitzel with potato salad.
the key to a perfect schnitzel is to pound the meat thinly and use fresh breadcrumbs.
for dinner, she prepared a chicken schnitzel, which is a popular variation of the traditional veal dish.