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viand

noun
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vi·​and | \ ˈvī-ənd How to pronounce viand (audio) \

Definition of viand

1 : an item of food especially : a choice or tasty dish
2 viands plural : provisions, food
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Synonyms for viand

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Did You Know?

Are you someone who eats to live, or someone who lives to eat? Either way, you'll find that the etymology of viand reflects the close link between food and life. Viand entered English in the 15th century from Anglo-French (viande means "meat" even in modern French), and it derives ultimately from Latin vivere, meaning "to live." Vivere is the ancestor of a number of other lively and life-giving words in English, including victual, revive,survive,convivial, and vivacious.

Examples of viand in a Sentence

a shop selling caviar, foie gras, designer chocolates, and other pricey viands the inn serves its choice viands on delicate china and its selection of vintage wines in the finest crystal available

First Known Use of viand

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for viand

Middle English, viaunde, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin vivanda food, alteration of Latin vivenda, neuter plural of vivendus, gerundive of vivere to live — more at quick entry 1

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The first known use of viand was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Viand.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/viand. Accessed 20 January 2020.

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