currant
UK: ˈkʌrənt | US: ˈkɜːrənt
n. a small dried seedless grape, used in cooking
n. (also redcurrant/blackcurrant) a small, round berry from shrubs of the genus Ribes
currant = curr<from "raisin of Corinth"> + ant<noun suffix>
- curr<from "raisin of Corinth">: Derived from the Anglo-French raisin de Corauntz ("raisin of Corinth"), referring to dried grapes originally exported from Corinth, Greece. Over time, "Corinth" was shortened to "currant."
- ant<noun suffix>: A nominal suffix with no independent meaning in this context, fossilized from the original phrase.
Etymology Origin:
The word currant traces back to the 14th century, when English imported dried grapes from Corinth (a Greek city). The phrase raisin de Corauntz ("raisin of Corinth") was abbreviated to currant, later extended to describe unrelated berries (Ribes spp.) due to their similar size and appearance. This semantic shift reflects trade history and folk taxonomy.
She added dried currants to the scone dough for extra sweetness.
Blackcurrant jam is a popular topping for toast in the UK.
The recipe calls for a handful of currants, but raisins can be substituted.
Redcurrants are too tart to eat raw but make excellent jellies.
Ancient Greeks exported currants as a luxury food across the Mediterranean.