味噌

miso; a thick fermented paste, usually made from soybeans with rice or barley and salt, used as a seasoning in Japanese cooking

Etymology

A native Japanese word, historically also written with forms such as 未醤; the kanji 味噌 are ateji/semantic characters associated with taste and the traditional paste.

Character Breakdown

Collocations

the key point, special feature, or clever part of something

Etymology

A figurative extension from miso as an essential flavoring ingredient.

Character Breakdown

Collocations