English Reference

Word

wasabi

UK/wɐsˈɑːbi/

Definition

n. a strong-tasting green paste made from a plant in the mustard family. It is often served with sushi to add a spicy kick.

n. a pungent green paste made from the rhizome of a plant in the Brassicaceae family. Frequently served with sushi or sashimi to enhance the flavor profile.

Examples

“I always put a little wasabi on my sushi.”

“The chef grated the fresh wasabi root to serve alongside the raw tuna for a more authentic dining experience.”

“While horseradish is a common substitute in Western markets, authentic wasabi provides a more delicate and aromatic heat that disappears quickly on the tongue.”

Examples

simple

“I always put a little wasabi on my sushi.”

contextual

“The chef grated the fresh wasabi root to serve alongside the raw tuna for a more authentic dining experience.”

complex

“While horseradish is a common substitute in Western markets, authentic wasabi provides a more delicate and aromatic heat that disappears quickly on the tongue.”

Real-World Examples

“In a bowl large enough to hold all the pea pods, mix all the ingredients for the wasabi dressing with a half-teaspoon of salt and set aside.”
The Guardian · 8 May 2021

Etymology

Borrowed from Japanese 山葵 (wasabi).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry

Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency
Occasional
Updated

Scan code

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English Reference