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Comal

3 stages from Nahuatl to English.

Today it means a flat griddle, traditionally made of clay or cast iron, used to cook tortillas and toast spices

Where does the word "comal" come from? It comes from Nahuatl comalli, passing through Spanish before entering English (1900s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
comalli
Nahuatl · pre-1500s
"a flat cooking griddle"
named the flat clay griddle used to cook tortillas
2
Stage 2 of 3
comal
Spanish · 1600s
"a flat griddle for cooking tortillas"
adopted into Mexican Spanish for the same cooking tool
3
Stage 3 of 3
comal
English · 1900s
"a flat griddle used for cooking tortillas and other foods"
borrowed into English through Mexican and Southwestern American cuisine
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