tamale
UK: təˈmɑː.li | US: təˈmɑː.li
n. a traditional Mesoamerican dish made of masa (corn dough) stuffed with fillings like meat or cheese, wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves, and steamed.
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"Tamale" is a direct borrowing from Spanish, derived from the Nahuatl (Aztec language) word "tamalli," meaning "wrapped food." Unlike many English words with Latin or Greek roots, "tamale" retains its original form as a loanword from indigenous Mesoamerican culture. Its spelling and pronunciation were adapted into Spanish and later English without morphological segmentation. The word reflects the dish’s historical and culinary significance in pre-Columbian societies.
She ordered a spicy pork tamale from the street vendor.
Tamales are often served during holidays in Mexican households.
The corn husk keeps the tamale moist while steaming.
He learned to make tamales using his grandmother’s recipe.
Vegetarian tamales filled with beans and cheese are equally delicious.