pretzel
UK: ˈprɛts(ə)l | US: ˈprɛtsəl
n. a baked bread product twisted into a knot-like shape, typically glazed and salted.
The word "pretzel" originates from the German Brezel (earlier Brezitella), derived from Latin bracchium ("arm"), referencing its twisted arm-like shape. The modern spelling reflects phonetic adaptation into English, retaining the core Germanic root. The "-el" suffix is a diminutive marker in German, though its function is opaque in English. The pretzel's iconic form symbolizes its monastic origins (possibly 6th-century), where it represented folded arms in prayer.
She bought a salty pretzel from the street vendor.
The bakery specializes in traditional German pretzels.
He dipped the pretzel into mustard before eating it.
Pretzels are a popular snack at sports events.
The soft pretzel was still warm from the oven.