Margarine
/ˈmɑːr.ɡə.riːn/noun
A butter substitute made from vegetable oils or animal fats.
Did you know?The term 'margarine' comes from the Greek word 'margaritēs', meaning 'pearl', a nod to its pale, lustrous appearance.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
margaritēs
“Pearl, symbolizing beauty and purity.”
18th Century
French
margarine
“Derived from 'margaritine', indicating a pearly substance.”
19th Century
French
margarine
“Referring to a substance resembling butter.”
1869
English
margarine
“Adopted into English as a term for a butter alternative.”