Biscotti

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /bɪˈskɒtɪ/

Definitions

1. A type of twice-baked Italian sweet biscuit that is usually crisp and often contains nuts or dried fruits
2. A hard, crunchy cookie originating from Italy, typically enjoyed dipped in coffee or wine for enhanced flavor
3. A traditional Italian confection, baked twice to achieve a dry and crunchy texture, ideal for pairing with beverages

Etymology: Biscotti is a plural form in Italian, and the singular "biscotto" means simply "cookie" or "biscuit." English took the plural and treated it as a name for the whole category of crisp, twice-baked almond-studded cakes, so the Italian word has been borrowed in its plural shape rather than as a singular noun. The Italian word itself is built from Latin roots meaning "twice" and "baked," and it shares its origin with English "biscuit." The two words are doublets: they descend from the same Latin source but reached English by different routes, one through French and one directly from Italian. "Biscuit" entered English earlier and came to cover a wide range of baked goods, while "biscotti" kept the flavour of its Italian home.

Synonyms: cookies, biscuits