soy
UK: sɔɪ | US: sɔɪ
n. 1. A type of legume native to East Asia, widely cultivated for its edible bean.
n. 2. A sauce made from fermented soybeans, used as a condiment or seasoning.
The word "soy" entered English in the late 17th century via Dutch ("soja") and Malay ("soya"), but its ultimate origin is Japanese "shōyu" (醤油), meaning "soy sauce." The term was initially associated with the sauce before expanding to refer to the bean itself. The spelling "soy" reflects phonetic adaptation in European languages, simplifying the original Japanese form.
Tofu is made from soybeans and is a popular protein source in vegetarian diets.
She added a dash of soy sauce to enhance the flavor of the stir-fry.
Soy cultivation has increased globally due to its versatility in food products.
The recipe calls for soy milk as a dairy-free alternative.
Researchers are studying the health benefits of soy isoflavones.