Pancetta

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. An Italian cured meat product derived from pork belly, seasoned and aged to develop a robust flavor profile in various dishes
2. A specialty of Italian cuisine, this savory pork delicacy is cured and spiced, adding depth to numerous recipes
3. A type of Italian meat made from pork belly that is cured with salt and spices to enhance its rich taste

Etymology: Pancetta is named for the belly of the pig. The Italian word "pancia" means "belly," and "pancetta" is its diminutive, so the name points to the cut itself: a slab of pork belly rather than a specific recipe or preparation method. Cured meat named after an anatomical part is a plain, transparent piece of naming, and the English word was borrowed directly from Italian without much change in form or sense.

Synonyms: bacon, pork