Definition of soy

The word "soy" has a rich history that dates back to the 17th century. It originates from the Chinese word "dòu," which refers to the bean itself. The term was introduced to the Western world by European traders who traveled to China and Japan in the 1600s. Initially, the term was used to describe the bean, but later it came to refer to the plant, the oil, and the protein-rich substance extracted from the bean. In the late 18th century, Lancelot Lambert, an American merchant, began to cultivate soybeans in the United States, and the term "soy" gained widespread acceptance in the English language. Today, the word "soy" is synonymous with the versatile bean and its many byproducts, including tofu, soy milk, and soy sauce.