zucchini
UK: zuːˈkiːni | US: zuːˈkiːni
n. a variety of summer squash, typically green and cylindrical, used as a vegetable in cooking.
zucchini = zucch<gourd> + ini<diminutive suffix>
- zucch derives from Italian "zucca" (gourd or squash), itself from Late Latin "cucutia," a variant of Latin "cucurbita" (pumpkin/gourd).
- ini is an Italian diminutive suffix, indicating small size (similar to "-ino" or "-ina").
Etymology Origin:
The word "zucchini" entered English from Italian in the early 20th century, reflecting the vegetable’s popularity in Italian cuisine. The Italian "zucca" (gourd) traces back to Latin "cucurbita," a term for melons or squashes. The diminutive "-ini" transforms it into "little gourd," aptly describing the vegetable’s slender shape compared to larger squashes.
She grilled zucchini with olive oil and herbs for a light summer dish.
The garden produced an abundance of zucchini this year.
Zucchini bread is a delicious way to use excess harvest.
He added thinly sliced zucchini to the stir-fry.
The recipe calls for two medium zucchinis, diced.