Wasabi
/wəˈsɑːbi/noun
A pungent Japanese plant whose grated rhizome is used as a condiment, especially with sushi.
Did you know?Wasabi’s sharp sensation comes mainly from volatile isothiocyanates, which travel into the nasal passages and fade quickly rather than lingering like chili pepper heat.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Japanese
Japanese
わさび (wasabi)
“The native Japanese name for the plant; its deeper linguistic origin is uncertain.”
10th Century
Japanese
和佐比 / わさび
“Early written attestations of the plant name appear in Japanese botanical and medicinal records.”
17th Century
Japanese
わさび
“Freshly grated wasabi became associated with Japanese culinary use, including fish dishes.”
19th Century
Japanese
山葵
“The plant was also written with these kanji, literally characterizing it as a mountain-associated mallow-like herb; this spelling reflects Japanese orthography, not a proven literal origin.”
1870s
English
wasabi
“The Japanese food term entered English usage as a loanword.”
Modern English
English
wasabi
“A pungent green condiment commonly served with sushi and sashimi.”