teff

noun

: an economically important Ethiopian annual cereal grass (Eragrostis tef synonym E. abyssinica) grown for its small grain which yields a white flour and as a forage and hay crop

Examples of teff in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Starters made using teff, amaranth, and buckwheat were all lacking the acetic acid bacteria. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 12 Oct. 2023 Its gluten-free teff flour adds extra protein and essential minerals while being gentle on your digestive system. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 18 Mar. 2023 Many ancient grains are nutritional powerhouses rich in protein (like quinoa), calcium (like teff), fiber, and an amino acid called lysine that's needed for tissue repair.11 Oatmeal Oatmeal is rich in folate, fiber, and potassium. Jenn Sinrich, Health, 7 Mar. 2023 Eaten in Ethiopia, Eritrea and some parts of Somalia, injera (made of teff flour) is served at weddings, birthday parties and family gatherings. Grace Linden, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Feb. 2023 Two large maps made with grains and legumes show which staples — such as rice, corn, barley, quinoa or teff — are most common in different parts of the world. Vanessa H. Larson, Washington Post, 28 June 2022 Ethiopian cooks ferment injera's ground-teff batter into a tart, bubbling brew, while the corn dough for Venezuelan arepas is patted straight onto a sizzling griddle. Jen Rose Smith, CNN, 4 May 2022 Quinoa, amaranth, millet, farro, spelt, Kamut (a wheat grain said to be discovered in an Egyptian tomb) and teff (an Ethiopian grain about the size of a poppy seed) are some examples of ancient grains. Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 20 May 2020 Traditionally, teff flour is mixed with water, fermented over several days and baked on a mitad griddle until thin, spongy and decidedly tangy. Washington Post, 19 Mar. 2020 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'teff.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Amharic ṭef

First Known Use

1790, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of teff was in 1790

Dictionary Entries Near teff

Cite this Entry

“Teff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/teff. Accessed 11 Dec. 2023.

More from Merriam-Webster on teff

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!