tortilla
UK: tɔːˈtiː.ə | US: tɔːrˈtiː.ə
n. a thin, flat, round bread made from cornmeal or wheat flour, originally from Mexico
tortilla = tort<twisted> + illa<diminutive suffix>
- tort<twisted> (from Latin tortus, past participle of torquere "to twist")
- illa<diminutive suffix> (Spanish suffix indicating smallness or endearment)
Etymology Origin:
The word tortilla comes from Spanish, where it originally referred to a small, round cake or bread. The root tort- traces back to Latin torquere ("to twist"), likely referencing the traditional method of shaping the dough by hand. The suffix -illa adds a diminutive sense, emphasizing its small, flat form. Over time, the term became specifically associated with the thin, unleaved corn or wheat bread central to Mexican cuisine.
She warmed the tortilla on the griddle before filling it with beans.
Freshly made tortillas are a staple in Mexican households.
The restaurant serves tortillas with every meal.
He rolled the tortilla tightly to make a burrito.
Corn tortillas have a distinct flavor compared to wheat ones.