vanilla

Definition

Any tropical climbing orchid of the genus Vanilla (especially Vanilla planifolia), bearing podlike fruit yielding an extract used in flavoring food or in perfumes.

Etymology

Borrowed from Spanish vainilla, a diminutive form of vaina (“pod”). "Plain" senses derive from the perceived plainness of vanilla ice cream.

Example Sentences

• "Vanilla itself was transplanted from Madagascar, the main source of the spice, to Polynesia a century ago."