salep

[ sal-ep ]

noun

1. a starchy, demulcent drug or foodstuff consisting of the dried tubers of certain orchids.

salep

/ ˈsælɛp /

noun

1. the dried ground starchy tubers of various orchids, used for food and formerly as drugs

Word History and Origins

Origin of salep¹

1730–40; < Turkish salep < dialectal Arabic saḥlab, perhaps shortened variant of Arabic khusā al-thaʿlab fox's testicles; saloop

Word History and Origins

Origin of salep¹

C18: via French and Turkish from Arabic sahlab, shortened from khusy ath-tha`lab, literally: fox's testicles, name of an orchid

Example Sentences

Due to a bevy of international regulations meant to protect the very existence of the species, getting real salep powder in the United States can be tricky and expensive.

From Seattle Times

In the 17th and 18th centuries, salep became fashionable in Europe and England, where it was called “saloop.”

From Seattle Times

Around 1,000 to 4,000 orchid plants are used to make a single kilogram of salep, a beloved drink in Turkey that is like a cross between hot chocolate and rice pudding.

From New York Times

The traditional coffeehouses, regulated by the government, are licensed to sell tea and coffee and other soft drinks, including salep, a popular beverage made from orchid bulbs that dates from Ottoman times.

From New York Times

“I still can’t. Food-wise, salep is what I really miss the most.”

From New York Times