Etymology Map
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Natto

2 stages from Japanese to English.

Today it means a traditional Japanese dish of fermented soybeans with a sticky texture and strong smell

Where does the word "natto" come from? It comes from Japanese nattō, adopted directly into English (late 1900s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
nattō
Japanese · medieval
"fermented, sticky soybeans"
named fermented soybeans, a staple breakfast food
2
Stage 2 of 2
natto
English · late 1900s
"fermented soybeans eaten as a pungent, sticky dish"
borrowed as Japanese cuisine and its health claims spread abroad
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