shallot
UK[ʃəˈlɒt]US[ˈʃælət]
n
A type of small onion that grows as a cluster of bulbs and has a mild flavor.
Etymology
The word 'shallot' entered English in the late 17th century from French 'échalote'. The French term derives from Old French 'eschaloigne', which in turn came from Latin 'Ascalōnia (caepa)', meaning 'onion of Ascalon'. Ascalon was an ancient port city in the southern Levant, modern-day Ashkelon in Israel, renowned in antiquity for exporting this variety of onion. Thus, the modern English word 'shallot' is a geographic epithet that has lost its transparent connection to its place of origin, evolving into a standard term for a specific botanical variety.
Analysis
This word is a loanword where the English spelling does not transparently reflect separable, meaningful morphemes from its source language.
Examples
The recipe calls for one finely diced shallot.
Shallots are often used in French vinaigrettes for their subtle, sweet flavor.
He planted a row of shallots in his kitchen garden.