Definition of chicory

The word "chicory" originates from the Greek word "kīkōrīon," which was used to describe the root of the chicory plant by the Ancient Greeks. The word was likely derived from a word meaning "wild" or "in cultivated ground," as chicory was originally found growing wild in Greece. The Romans also recognized the plant and began cultivating it. They gave it the Latin name "cichorium intybus," which is still used today in scientific nomenclature. The early to mid-French word for chicory was "chiqouire," which derived from the old Occitan word "ciquaura." In the 16th century, the French adapted the word "chiqouire" and transformed it into "chicorie." This new word was then taken to England by the French-speaking Huguenots, who called the plant "chicorie" as well. The English, however, changed the ending to "-y" due to their pronunciation of French words at the time. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, the word "chicory" gained popularity in English-speaking countries and was used interchangeably with "chicorie." Today, "chicory" is the most commonly used term in English to describe the plant and its roots, which are often used as a coffee substitute or to add bitterness to coffee blends.