alpist

noun

al·​pist
ˈalpə̇st,
(ˈ)al¦pēst
variants or less commonly alpiste
",
alˈpēstə
plural -s
1
: the seed of canary grass
2
: the seed of any of various species of Phleum

Word History

Etymology

Spanish alpiste, from Mozarabic al-bisht the alpist, from al- the (from Arabic) + bisht alpist, from Medieval Latin pistum, from Latin, neuter of pistus, past participle of pinsere to pound, crush

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of alpist was in 1597

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Dictionary Entries Near alpist

Cite this Entry

“Alpist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alpist. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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