wafer
UK: ˈweɪfə | US: ˈweɪfər
n. a thin, crisp cake or biscuit, often sweetened
n. a thin disk of unleavened bread used in the Eucharist
n. a thin slice of semiconductor material used in electronics
The word "wafer" traces back to Middle English wafre, borrowed from Old North French waufre (modern French gaufre, meaning "waffle"). It ultimately derives from Frankish wafel or wāfla, meaning "honeycomb" or "cake," likely due to the grid-like pattern of early waffles. The root waf conveys flatness or thinness, while -er is a noun-forming suffix. Over time, "wafer" specialized to describe thin, crisp baked goods and later expanded to include semiconductor slices due to their similar shape.
She nibbled on a vanilla wafer with her tea.
The priest placed the sacramental wafer on the communicant's tongue.
Silicon wafers are essential for manufacturing computer chips.
The ice cream sandwich had a chocolate wafer on either side.
He accidentally crushed the delicate wafer while unpacking it.