cascabel

noun

cas·​ca·​bel ˈka-skə-ˌbel 

1

: a projection behind the breech of a muzzle-loading cannon

2

: a small hollow perforated spherical bell enclosing a loose pellet

3

: a small, rounded, moderately pungent chili pepper that is usually used dried when it has a translucent, dark red skin and loose seeds which rattle

Examples of cascabel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Fortunately, cascabel chiles substitute well for chilhuacles, and guajillos can replace costeños. —Michael A. Gardiner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Jan. 2023

An orange-hued sauce of cascabel, arbol and habanero chiles. —Laurie Ochoa, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2022

And what of other chile varieties such as guajillo, cascabel and morita? —New York Times, 11 Nov. 2021

Meanwhile, heat a medium skillet over medium heat and add the cascabel chiles; cook, turning occasionally, until the chiles turn bright red and charred in places, 1 to 2 minutes total. —Tara Duggan, SFChronicle.com, 30 Oct. 2020

For $44 a person, opt for ribeye steak with shrimp, roasted corn and mushrooms in a smoky cascabel sauce. —Lauren Saria, The Arizona Republic, 17 Sep. 2020

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, literally, small bell

First Known Use

1639, in the meaning defined at sense 1