rice
UK: raɪs | US: raɪs
n. 1. The starchy seeds or grains of an annual cereal grass (Oryza sativa), widely cultivated as food.
n. 2. The plant itself, grown in warm climates for its edible grain.
The word "rice" entered English via Old French ris, derived from Italian riso and Latin oryza, which itself traces back to Greek óryza. The ultimate origin is likely from a Dravidian language (e.g., Tamil arici) or Sanskrit vrīhi-, reflecting the grain's ancient cultivation in South and Southeast Asia. The spelling and pronunciation remained remarkably stable across languages, emphasizing its global culinary importance.
Rice is a staple food for over half the world's population.
She cooked the rice with coconut milk for extra flavor.
The farmers harvested the rice fields at dawn.
Brown rice is considered healthier than white rice due to its higher fiber content.
In Japan, rice is often served with pickled vegetables and fish.