chia

[ chee-uh ]

noun

1. a plant, Salvia columbariae, of the mint family, native to the southwestern U.S. and Mexico, having mostly basal, oblong leaves and small blue flowers: the seeds are used as food and as the source of a beverage.
2. any of several similar related plants.
3. a beverage brewed from the seeds of any of these plants.

Word History and Origins

Origin of chia¹

1875–80; < Mexican Spanish chía < Nahuatl chiah, chian

Example Sentences

Unsaturated fats such as omega-3 fats, walnuts, chia seeds, flaxseed, avocados and fatty fish such as salmon can also support a healthy microbiome.

From Salon

Her zoom mic is propped up by the box to a Pee-wee Herman Chia pet, a deal Peterson helped him broker after he was green with envy over Elvira’s.

From Los Angeles Times

On a Friday morning last summer, Antoci, 57, arrived at the Santa Monica Erewhon fresh from a workout and asked the store director for a $15 Post Workout Smoothie, a gluten-free blend of organic blueberries, organic chia seeds, organic coconut water, lucuma, maca and vanilla collagen.

From Los Angeles Times

Seed oils are made from whole seeds, such as sunflower seeds, flax seeds, chia seeds and sesame seeds.

From Salon

Speaking to Reuters, Baldwin Chia said he was concerned about avalanches but hadn't received reports of any taking place.

From BBC