Camote

/kəˈmoʊt/ noun

Definition

Another name for the sweet potato, a starchy root vegetable with orange or white flesh that's popular in many world cuisines.

Etymology

From Spanish 'camote,' derived from Nahuatl (Aztec) 'camotli,' the original Mesoamerican name for this tuber. The word traveled through Spanish conquistadors into European languages.

Kelly Says

Sweet potatoes arrived in Asia, Africa, and Europe through Spanish traders after 1492, and today they're actually grown and eaten more widely around the world than regular potatoes, yet many English speakers don't realize 'camote' is the original indigenous word.

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