wafer etymology

Etymology

The word "wafer" derives from the Old French word "waffle," which in turn derives from the Middle Dutch word "wafel," meaning "honeycomb." The Middle Dutch word "wafel" ultimately derives from the Proto-Germanic word "wab" or "wabo," meaning "honeycomb."

Meaning and Origin

A wafer is a thin, flat, and circular disk made of unleavened bread. It is often used in religious rituals and ceremonies, such as Holy Communion in Christianity. In a religious context, the wafer is often referred to as a "host."

The origin of wafers can be traced back to the ancient world. The Greeks used a type of wafer called "oplata" in their religious ceremonies. The Romans adopted the oplata and referred to it as "libum."

In the early Christian church, wafers were used as a form of bread in the celebration of the Eucharist. Over time, the use of wafers became widespread throughout Christianity.

Today, wafers are also used in various culinary and confectionery applications. For example, they can be used as a base for cakes and pastries, or as a topping for ice cream and other desserts.

wafer relate terms

  • waffle

    Etymology The term waffle comes from the Middle Dutch word wafel meaning honeycomb

  • weave

    Etymology Middle English weven from Old English wefan of Germanic origin related to

  • gofer

    Etymology The word gofer is derived from the Hebrew word gopher גֹּפֶר whi

  • wafer

    Etymology The word wafer derives from the Old French word waffle which in turn deriv

  • honeycomb

    Etymology The word honeycomb is derived from the following sources Honey A thick

  • lozenge

    Etymology The word lozenge comes from the Old French word losange which in turn come

  • cone

    Etymology The word cone comes from the Greek word konos which means cone shaped

  • biscuit

    Etymology The word biscuit comes from the Latin word bis coctus meaning twice bake

  • paste

    Etymology The word paste comes from the Middle English word paste which in turn come

  • spate

    Etymology Old English spetan to spit eject Proto Germanic spetan Proto Indo Europ

  • beard

    Etymology The word beard comes from the Old English word beard which is derived fro

  • bread

    Etymology The word bread originates from the Middle English word bred which is deriv

  • debar

    Etymology The word debar comes from the Old French word debarrer which means to sh

  • cookie

    Etymology Cookie is believed to be a derivative of the Dutch word koekje a diminuti