Chilli

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈt͡ʃɪli/

Definitions

1. A variety of pepper from the Capsicum family known for its heat and spiciness
2. A fruit or pod from plants of the Capsicum genus used to add strong, pungent heat and flavor to dishes
3. A spicy ingredient derived from pepper plants that imparts a fiery taste to food preparations

Etymology: The chilli pepper gets its name from the Aztecs, or more precisely from the language they spoke. Nahuatl, the language of the Aztec empire in central Mexico, had the word "chīlli" for the fiery fruit that grew across the region long before any European arrived. Spanish speakers picked it up as "chile," and it was in that form that the word reached Europe after Columbus's voyages carried the plant across the Atlantic. The spelling in English shows the two paths the word took. "Chili" follows the Spanish form, while "chilli" is an alternative spelling of it. Both are in use today, and both descend from the same Nahuatl root. English also shortened the phrase "chili con carne," Spanish for "chili with meat," down to just "chili," so the name of the pepper and the name of the stew now share one word.

Synonyms: pepper, capsicum