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cymling (SIM-ling) - n., (Amer.) the pattypan squash.
A variety of summer squash (Cucurbita pepo) with a round, flat shape and scalloped edges -- usually light green, but also comes in all the usual colors of summer squashes. The pattypan name comes from resembling the pan for backing a patty (as in "Patty-cake, patty-cake, baker's man"). The cymling name is an Americanism dating from the 1770s as an alteration of symnel, from its resemblance to a simnel cake, an Easter fruitcake with marzipan, ultimately from Latin simila, fine flour, possibly of Semitic origin.
---L.
A variety of summer squash (Cucurbita pepo) with a round, flat shape and scalloped edges -- usually light green, but also comes in all the usual colors of summer squashes. The pattypan name comes from resembling the pan for backing a patty (as in "Patty-cake, patty-cake, baker's man"). The cymling name is an Americanism dating from the 1770s as an alteration of symnel, from its resemblance to a simnel cake, an Easter fruitcake with marzipan, ultimately from Latin simila, fine flour, possibly of Semitic origin.
---L.
