Seon

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A type of thin, slippery noodle made from mung bean starch used in certain Korean dishes ; a term referring to the lining or membrane of intestines used in Korean cooking
2. Referring both to a clear noodle crafted from mung bean starch, prevalent in Korean cuisine ; and also to the membrane or skin from animal intestines featured in some Korean recipes
3. Describes translucent Korean noodles derived from mung bean starch ; as well as denoting the intestinal membrane traditionally prepared in specific Korean culinary contexts

Etymology: Korean clear noodles are usually called "dangmyeon," and the second syllable, "myeon," comes from the Hanja 麵, which means wheat noodle. The term reached Korean through Chinese, and it now covers noodles of many kinds. Because "myeon" was the general word for noodle, many noodle names keep it as their final element. "Seon" is not a standard name for clear noodles that I can trace with confidence, so its origin is not something I can explain here. The noodle's own history is better documented: its sweet potato starch base and the way it became a staple in Korean cooking are the parts that can be reliably traced.