sorghum
UK[ˈsɔːɡəm]US[ˈsɔːrɡəm]
n
a tall cereal grass grown in warm regions for its grain and for animal feed.
n
the syrup made from the juice of a type of this plant.
Etymology
the word "sorghum" entered english in the late 16th century, denoting the cereal plant. it originates from modern latin, which adopted the term from italian "sorgo". this italian term is believed to be a modification of a medieval latin word "surgum" or "syricum", meaning "of syria", reflecting an early association of the grain with that region. the ultimate origin may trace back to an unattested vulgar latin phrase "syricum (granum)" meaning "syrian (grain)", highlighting its geographical introduction to europe.
Analysis
the word "sorghum" is a simplex loanword. it does not contain separable morphemes within its modern english spelling.
Examples
the farmer planted a large field of sorghum for harvest in the fall.
sorghum syrup is sometimes used as a natural sweetener in baked goods.
the drought-resistant qualities of sorghum make it a vital crop in arid regions.