Cinnamon
/ˈsɪn.ə.mən/noun
A spice obtained from the inner bark of the Cinnamomum tree, used in both sweet and savory dishes.
Did you know?In ancient Egypt, cinnamon was considered so precious that it was often used in burial rituals and was a key ingredient in embalming fluids, believed to protect the soul.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Egyptian
Egyptian
𓇋𓏲𓅓𓏏𓈖
“Used in mummification and sacred rituals, symbolizing life and protection.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
κιννάμωμον
“Referring to the aromatic spice, often associated with luxury and divine offerings.”
Latin
Latin
cinnamomum
“Borrowed from Greek, used to denote the spice in culinary and medicinal contexts.”
Old French
Old French
canelle
“Derived from Latin, meaning 'a small stick,' referring to the shape of cinnamon sticks.”
Middle English
Middle English
cinnamome
“Adopted from Old French, it retained the meaning of the aromatic spice.”
Modern English
English
cinnamon
“Refers to the spice used in cooking and as a flavoring agent, with mystical and medicinal connotations.”