azafran
|a-za-fran|
🇺🇸
/ˌæzəˈfræn/
🇬🇧
/ˌæzəˈfrɑːn/
saffron (spice)
Etymology
'azafran' originates from Spanish, specifically the word 'azafrán', where the Arabic/Persian loan 'zaʻfarān' meant 'saffron'.
'azafran' changed from Arabic 'zaʻfarān' (borrowed from Persian 'zarparān' / 'zaʻfarān') into medieval Romance forms (Mozarabic/Old Spanish) and eventually became the modern Spanish 'azafrán'. English developed the related word 'saffron' via Old French 'safran'.
Initially, it meant 'saffron' (the spice) and this core meaning has largely remained the same into modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
saffron — the dried red stigmas of the crocus (Crocus sativus) used as a spice, seasoning, and yellow dye; also used to refer to the plant or the spice generally.
The paella was flavored with azafran.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/06 20:29