Manteiga
/mɐ̃ˈtej.ɡɐ/noun
A Portuguese term for butter, a creamy dairy product made from churning milk or cream.
Did you know?In medieval Europe, butter was sometimes considered a sacred food, used in religious rituals, and was believed to possess protective qualities against evil spirits.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*men-
“to think or to remember; to hold or keep.”
Latin
Latin
mānsuētīna
“a term referring to something that is tamed or domesticated.”
Old French
Old French
mantega
“a term for fat or greasy substance, particularly as used in cooking.”
Middle Portuguese
Middle Portuguese
manteiga
“the evolved term referring specifically to butter as a spreadable dairy product.”
Modern Portuguese
Portuguese
manteiga
“the contemporary term for butter, integral to various culinary traditions.”