Lupulus is a Latin word that refers to the hop plant, a key ingredient in brewing beer. The spelling of this word may look complicated, but it follows the rules of Latin pronunciation. In IPA phonetic transcription, lupulus is spelled as ˈlu.pu.lus, where the first syllable starts with a stressed /l/ sound, followed by a /u/ sound. The second syllable contains a short /p/ sound, while the third syllable features a short /u/ sound and ends with a soft /s/ sound. Overall, lupulus has a smooth and harmonious sound to it.
Lupulus is a Latin noun primarily used in the field of botanical sciences, specifically in relation to the plant known as "hops." Hops (Humulus lupulus) are perennial climbing plants native to Eurasia and widely cultivated for their cones, which are used in the brewing industry.
In a broader context, lupulus refers to small flowers with overlapping bracts that are arranged on spikes in a cone-like structure, characteristic of the female hop plant. The plants typically have a strong odor and are often cultivated for their essential oils and resins, which contribute to the bitter taste and aroma in beer production. The cones are harvested and dried, and their extract is commonly used as a flavoring agent in brewing, imparting distinct characteristics to beer such as bitterness, aroma, and foam stability.
Lupulus is a term essential to the understanding of the botanical characteristics and commercial significance of the hop plant. Its usage is frequently observed in scientific research, agricultural contexts, and in the brewing industry. The term encapsulates the multifaceted role hops play in the production of beer, adding bitterness, flavor, and aroma, while also serving as a preservative due to their antibacterial properties. Consequently, lupulus is a crucial botanical term that aids in the comprehension and classification of the hop plant, ultimately contributing to the diverse array of flavors and aromas found in various beer styles.
The hop-plant, Humulus lupulus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "lupulus" comes from Latin. It is the diminutive form of the Latin noun "lupus", meaning "wolf". It is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *wĺ̥kʷos, which also gave rise to words related to "wolf" in other Indo-European languages, such as Greek "lykos" and Sanskrit "vṛkaḥ". "Lupulus" specifically refers to the smallness or the "little wolf", and it was used to describe the hop plant, Humulus lupulus, due to its climbing nature similar to a wolf's creeping and twisting. It eventually found its way into botanical names and the common name for the hop plant.