vanilla
UK: vəˈnɪlə | US: vəˈnɪlə
n. 1. A tropical orchid (genus Vanilla) whose pods are used to produce a sweet, aromatic flavoring.
n. 2. The extract or flavor derived from vanilla pods, widely used in cooking and perfumery.
adj. 3. (Informal) Plain, conventional, or lacking originality.
The word vanilla traces back to Spanish vainilla (meaning "little pod"), a diminutive of vaina (sheath or pod), derived from Latin vagina (sheath). Spanish explorers named the plant for its slender, pod-like fruit. The term entered English in the 17th century, initially referring to the plant and later its flavor. The informal sense of "plainness" emerged in the 20th century, metaphorically contrasting the ubiquity of vanilla flavor with more exotic options.
The recipe calls for a teaspoon of pure vanilla extract.
Vanilla orchids require specific conditions to thrive.
His writing style is often criticized as too vanilla.
She prefers vanilla ice cream over chocolate.
The perfume has a subtle hint of vanilla and jasmine.