soy

[ soi ]

noun

1. the soybean plant or its seeds:

   Soy is a major crop in Brazil.

2. a product or products made from soybeans:

   I'm vegetarian, so my main source of protein is soy.

3. soy sauce:

   Add about 2 tablespoons soy to the noodles.

4. soymilk:

   We use soy in our coffee instead of milk.

adjective

1. made or derived from soybeans or soymilk:

   soy flour.

Word History and Origins

Origin of soy¹

First recorded in 1690–1700; perhaps via Dutch or New Latin soya, soja, from Japanese shōyu, earlier siau-yu, from Middle Chinese, equivalent to Chinese jìngyóu “soybean oil”

Example Sentences

It starts with a pile of soy pulp, which is wrapped in banana leaves and sprinkled with the spores of a fungus called Neurospora intermedia.

From Salon

For the last seven years, Kammerer has been working with koji mold, or Aspergillus oryzae, which is widely used in Japanese cuisine to ferment soybeans and make things like soy sauce and miso.

From Salon

“Yo soy Emilia Pérez,” she says over and over again, modulating her intonation ever so slightly.

From Los Angeles Times

Did you know that the subtleties within soy sauce can also be attributed to terroir?

From Salon

In speaking with San-J President Takashi Sato earlier this year, I learned that the 220-year-old company's decision to base its factory in Virginia plays a crucial role in the flavor and uniqueness of its tamari, soy sauces and other products.

From Salon