Chicory
/ˈtʃɪk.əri/noun
A plant of the dandelion family used in salads and as a coffee substitute.
Did you know?Chicory was used in ancient rituals to invoke the spirits of the earth, believed to bring prosperity and protection to the harvest.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ḱeyḱ-
“to be warm, to heat”
Latin
Latin
cichorium
“the plant known for its bitter leaves and roots”
Old French
Old French
cichorée
“the chicory plant, used as food and medicine”
15th Century
Middle English
chicorie
“a bitter herb used in salads and as a coffee substitute”
Modern English
English
chicory
“the name for the plant widely used in culinary applications and as a caffeine alternative.”