Brinjal

/brɪnˈdʒɑːl/ noun

Definition

The eggplant or aubergine vegetable, widely used in Indian, Southeast Asian, and Mediterranean cooking.

Etymology

From Portuguese 'berinjela,' borrowed from Arabic 'bādinǧān,' ultimately from Sanskrit 'vātigana,' showing the plant's origin in South Asia and its journey through trade routes.

Kelly Says

The eggplant traveled from India to Europe via Arab traders, and its name followed the same route—the Spanish called it 'berenjena,' the English 'brinjal,' and others 'aubergine' from French.

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