vanilla

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun any of numerous climbing plants of the genus Vanilla having fleshy leaves and clusters of large waxy highly fragrant white or green or topaz flowers
  2. noun a flavoring prepared from vanilla beans macerated in alcohol (or imitating vanilla beans)
  3. noun a distinctive fragrant flavor characteristic of vanilla beans

Etymology

Borrowed from Spanish vainilla, a diminutive form of vaina (“pod”). "Plain" senses derive from the perceived plainness of vanilla ice cream.

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