Carne

/ˈkɑrneɪ/ noun

Definition

Meat, especially as used in cooking; particularly used in Spanish and Portuguese cuisine.

Etymology

From Latin 'caro' (flesh, meat) which comes from Proto-Indo-European 'ker-' meaning 'to tear or cut'. The word entered English through Spanish and Portuguese influences, particularly in reference to Latin American and Iberian cooking. Related to 'carnal' and 'carnivore'.

Kelly Says

The word 'carnal' (relating to the body), 'carnival' (meat feast before Lenten fasting), and 'carne' all come from the same root! 'Carnival' literally means 'meat farewell'—it was the last chance to eat meat before 40 days of fasting. Language preserves food history!

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.