asafetida
|a-sa-fe-ti-da|
/ˌæsəˈfiːdə/
stinking resin (spice)
Etymology
'asafetida' originates from New Latin, specifically the word 'asa foetida', where 'asa' ultimately comes from Persian/Sanskrit roots (compare Sanskrit 'hingu' for the resin) and 'foetida' meant 'foul-smelling'.
'asafetida' changed from the Latin phrase 'asa foetida' and the variant spelling 'asafoetida' found in Early Modern English and eventually became the modern English word 'asafetida'.
Initially, it meant 'stinking gum or resin'; over time it evolved to mean specifically 'the resin from Ferula species used as a spice and in traditional medicine'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a pale brown gum-resin obtained from the roots of certain Ferula species, used as a pungent spice (especially in South Asian cooking) and in traditional medicine; noted for a strong, sulfurous (often described as ‘stinky’) aroma.
A pinch of asafetida added to the dal gave it a savory, umami-rich aroma.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/25 07:12