Coppra

/ˈkɒprə/ noun

Definition

A variant spelling of copra; the dried meat of a coconut kernel, used to extract coconut oil.

Etymology

From Malayalam kopra via Portuguese and European trade languages; this variant spelling reflects different transliteration choices from the original South Indian language into English during the colonial era.

Kelly Says

Coppra shows how words change spelling as they travel—Portuguese traders introduced 'copra' to Europeans, but different English speakers wrote it different ways until one spelling eventually won out, much like how 'ketchup' has multiple valid spellings.

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