flan
|flan|
/flæn/
flat baked custard/tart
Etymology
'flan' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'flaon', where the root referred to a flat cake or tart.
'flan' changed from the Medieval Latin word 'fladonem' into Old French 'flaon' and eventually became the modern English word 'flan' via Middle English.
Initially, it meant 'a flat cake or tart', but over time it evolved to refer specifically to custard-style desserts and also came to be used for an unstruck coin disk ('planchet').
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a baked dessert of sweetened custard, often topped with caramel (also called crème caramel).
We shared a caramel flan after dinner.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a type of open tart or flat pastry, especially in British usage (a savory or sweet pie with an open top).
She served a spinach and cheese flan for lunch.
Synonyms
Noun 3
a blank metal disk (planchet) prepared for striking into a coin; a numismatic term.
The museum displayed an old flan used for minting coins.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/20 12:14