Merriam-Webster's Word Central

October 06, 2009

international (adjective): \in-ter-NASH-uh-nul\
What does it mean?: 1 : of, relating to, affecting, or involving two or more nations2 : active, known, or reaching beyond national boundaries
How do you use it?: The airport nearest to Brenda's house now does international flights, which will make visiting her family in Mexico much easier.
Are you a word wiz?: Which of the following is an example of something that can be described as "international"?

A. a formal trade agreement between two U.S. states

B. a journey that covers more than 1,000 miles

C. the border between California and Oregon

D. a festival that features foods from many countries

Because something international must involve two or more nations, it's the food festival that fits the bill. The word "international" made its first appearance in English around 1780. What food-related terms came into English from languages spoken in other countries around that time? "Mulligatawny," the name of a rich soup seasoned with curry, made its way into English from Tamil, a language spoken in India and Sri Lanka. The spice mixture called "masala" was also borrowed from Indian languages, this time Hindi and Urdu. "Patisserie" was adopted from French as the word for a pastry shop, and "poi," a fermented paste of cooked taro root, came from the language spoken in the exotic locale of Hawaii.

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