Bengala
/bɛnˈɡɑːlə/noun
A Bengal light or flare, especially one used as a firework or signal.
Did you know?In several European languages, *bengala* became associated with brilliant pyrotechnic flares because “Bengal light” was a widely recognized name for colored fireworks.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient period
Sanskrit
Vaṅga
“An ancient name associated with the Bengal region; its deeper origin is uncertain.”
Early medieval period
Bengali
Bāṅgālā
“A regional name referring to Bengal.”
16th Century
Portuguese
Bengala
“Bengal, encountered by Portuguese traders and chroniclers in South Asia.”
17th Century
Spanish
Bengala
“Bengal; later used in the expression for Bengal-style colored lights or fireworks.”
18th–19th Century
European English
Bengal light
“A bright colored flare or firework, associated with Bengal.”
Modern English
English
bengala
“A Bengal light, flare, or related firework.”
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