The word "canela" refers to the spice cinnamon in Spanish. Its spelling is straightforward when using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), which represents sounds in language. "Canela" may be spelled phonetically as /ka'nela/, with the stress on the second syllable. The first sound is the voiceless velar stop /k/, followed by the open front unrounded vowel /a/. The second syllable begins with the voiced alveolar lateral approximant /l/ sound, and ends with the close front unrounded vowel /e/.
Canela is a noun that refers to two distinct and unrelated concepts, one relating to spice and the other to a place name.
1. Canela as a spice: Canela is the Spanish word for cinnamon, a type of aromatic spice derived from the bark of several trees within the Cinnamomum genus. It is typically obtained from the inner bark of the Cinnamomum verum tree, also known as true cinnamon. Canela has a warm and sweet flavor profile and is commonly used to enhance the taste of various dishes, desserts, and beverages. It can be found in powder form or in sticks, which are often used as a garnish or for brewing infusions.
2. Canela as a place name: Canela is also the name of a city located in the state of Rio Grande do Sul in southern Brazil. Canela is a popular tourist destination known for its natural beauty and historical landmarks, including waterfalls, canyons, and the iconic Canela Cathedral. The city's name is derived from the Portuguese word for "cinnamon," likely due to the abundance of cinnamon trees in the area when it was first settled. Canela offers a range of attractions and activities for visitors, such as hiking, sightseeing, and exploring local cuisine.
The word "canela" comes from Old Spanish "canella", which was a diminutive form of "cana" meaning "cane" or "reed". The term "canela" ultimately derives from Latin "canna" with the same meaning. "Canela" originally referred to a type of cinnamon bark, which has a cylindrical shape resembling a cane or reed. Over time, the term "canela" expanded to include the spice itself and is now commonly used in Spanish to refer to cinnamon.