awabi
|a-wa-bi|
/əˈwɑːbi/
Japanese abalone (edible sea snail)
Etymology
'awabi' originates from Japanese, specifically the word 'あわび' (awabi), where it is the native Japanese name for the abalone.
'awabi' entered English usage as a loanword from Japanese (via culinary and fishery contexts) in the late 19th to 20th century and has been used in English to refer to the Japanese abalone and related dishes.
Initially it meant 'the abalone (the sea snail)' in Japanese; in English it retains that meaning and is used mainly in culinary contexts.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a Japanese term for abalone — an edible marine gastropod (sea snail) of the genus Haliotis; used for the animal itself and its meat when served as food.
The restaurant served grilled awabi with soy and butter.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a dish or preparation made from abalone (used in culinary contexts).
Awabi sashimi is thinly sliced raw abalone often served with soy sauce.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/03 22:02