Cayenne
/kaɪˈɛn/noun
A type of hot pepper used for seasoning.
Did you know?The word 'Cayenne' is believed to trace back to a Tupi-Guarani word meaning 'to burn', linking it to its intense heat.
Etymological Timeline
Tupi-Guarani
Tupi
ka'i
“to burn; referring to the heat of the pepper.”
16th Century
Spanish
cayena
“the name used for the pepper from the region of Cayenne in French Guiana.”
17th Century
French
cayenne
“the term adopted for the chili pepper, named after the city.”
Modern English
English
cayenne
“adopted as the name for hot pepper varieties used in cooking.”