pastina

[ pa-stee-nuh ]

noun

1. very small pieces of pasta, available in various shapes, used especially in soups.

Word History and Origins

Origin of pastina¹

First recorded in 1900–05; from Italian: literally, “little pasta,” diminutive of pasta “pasta” + -ina feminine diminutive suffix; paste ( def ), -ine ²

Example Sentences

This reminded me, in Italian-American culture, of pastina — a grain that has deep, revenant importance throughout both Italy, America and many countries beyond that.

From Salon

Similar to how pastina is sometimes referred to as "Italian penicillin," the same is true for chicken or chicken noodle, often hailed or regarded as "Jewish penicillin."

From Salon

"My cousins and I basically started off eating pastina before we graduated to larger pasta and sauce. It's so tiny and there's little chew involved."

From Salon

Truthfully, pastina wasn't ever really a staple in my household.

From Salon

This was soon especially evidenced after I posted a quick tweet and Facebook status, asking what about pastina did you hold so dear?

From Salon