ENGLISH
REFERENCE

chia

n. C / U
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈtʃiə// chia

n. a small, dark seed from a plant in the mint family that is very healthy to eat. You often soak them in liquid to make a thick pudding or add them to smoothies.

n. the edible seeds of Salvia hispanica, a flowering plant in the mint family native to central and southern Mexico and Guatemala. Frequently used in culinary contexts for their high fiber and omega-3 fatty acid content.


SIMPLE

I like to add chia seeds to my morning yogurt.

CONTEXTUAL

The café serves a popular chia pudding topped with fresh mango and coconut milk.

COMPLEX

Due to their hydrophilic properties, chia seeds can absorb up to twelve times their weight in liquid, creating a mucilaginous gel often used as a vegan egg substitute in baking.

Origin

Borrowed from Spanish chía, from Classical Nahuatl chiyan (“seed of the chia plant”).

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