okra

The word comes from an unknown West African language, most likely Igbo ọ́kụ̀rụ̀, though it's also compared to Akan ŋkrũmã.

Because the exact source language isn't certain, we can't trace a clear path of how its meaning shifted — the word seems to have simply carried the plant's name along with it wherever it traveled.

It may share roots with Akan ŋkrakra, meaning "broth," hinting that this vegetable's name was tied early on to the dishes made from it.