Cilantro
/sɪˈlæn.troʊ/noun
The fresh leaves and tender stems of the coriander plant, used as an herb.
Did you know?The Greek word koriannon was associated with koris, meaning “bedbug,” although scholars treat the exact connection as uncertain rather than proven.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
koriannon / koriandron
“Coriander; traditionally connected with koris, “bedbug,” possibly because of the plant’s odor”
Classical Latin
Latin
coriandrum
“Coriander, the aromatic seed-producing herb”
Vulgar Latin
Latin
coriandru
“Coriander; the form continued into Romance languages”
Medieval Spanish
Spanish
culantro
“Coriander or its leaves; an early Spanish form”
16th Century
Spanish
cilantro
“The green leaves and stems of the coriander plant”
Modern English
English
cilantro
“The fresh leafy herb, especially in American English; the dried seeds are usually called coriander”