Champa
/ˈtʃæm.pə/noun
A type of fragrant rice originating from Southeast Asia, especially associated with the Champa kingdom.
Did you know?The Champa kingdom, known for its vibrant culture and trade, was believed to have mystical connections to the rice it cultivated, often used in offerings and rituals.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Austronesian
PAn
*tɨmpa
“to cultivate or grow, often in relation to rice.”
Old Malay
Malay
campa
“a variety of rice, specifically fragrant rice.”
Sanskrit
Sanskrit
चम्पक (campaka)
“a flower associated with beauty and fragrance.”
Medieval Southeast Asian
Proto-Southwestern Austronesian
*champa
“fragrant rice, tying its significance to cultural rituals.”
Modern English
English
Champa
“referring to both the rice and its historical kingdom.”