noun / adjective
vanilla
vuh-NIL-uh/vəˈnɪlə/
A flavoring derived from orchid pods or imitating their flavor.
A teaspoon holds amber vanilla extract beside dark orchid pods.
Etymology
The name means “little pod,” referring to the shape of the orchid’s pods. It first named the pod itself in English, then the flavoring extracted from it.
In context
some products labeled as vanilla were found to be made from the beans of a tonka tree, a completely different plant.
More examples
- She adds a teaspoon of vanilla to the cake batter.
- Imitation vanilla works well in these cookies.
- He serves warm pie with vanilla ice cream.
Forms
vanilla
vanillin noun — The main flavor compound in vanilla.
Similar words
- vanillin
- Names the main flavor compound rather than the complete flavoring.