Pronunciation: [zˈɛfi͡ə] (IPA) 
The word "Zefir" is a Russian confectionary that is similar to marshmallow. Its spelling is based on the Russian Cyrillic alphabet and is transliterated to the Latin alphabet as "Zefir." It is pronounced as /ˈzɛfər/ in IPA phonetic transcription, with the stress on the first syllable. The "z" is pronounced as the English letter "z," the "e" as the short "e" sound, the "f" as the English letter "f," and the "ir" as the English word "ear."
Zefir is a noun that refers to a traditional Russian confectionery item. It is a light and airy marshmallow-like sweet treat made from a mixture of sugar, egg whites, and fruit puree, typically flavored with berry or fruit extracts. The word "zefir" is directly derived from the French word "zéphyr," which means a gentle breeze or a west wind.
Zefir has a smooth and velvety texture, resembling a marshmallow, and it is usually coated with powdered sugar to prevent it from sticking together. The process of making zefir involves whipping the egg whites and sugar syrup intensely until they form a fluffy foam, to which the fruit puree is then added, giving it a fruity taste and aroma.
This delicacy is often shaped into small cylinders or domes, approximately bite-sized, and comes in various flavors such as strawberry, raspberry, lemon, and vanilla. Zefir is a popular confection in Russia and Eastern European countries, often enjoyed as a standalone dessert or used as an ingredient in other pastries and cake decorations. Its light and airy nature, along with the fruity flavors, make zefir a delightful treat that is commonly consumed during tea or coffee breaks or served as a dessert at celebratory occasions.
The word "Zefir" has its etymology rooted in the Russian language. It is derived from the Russian word "Зефи́р" (Zefír), which itself was borrowed from the French word "zéphyr" meaning "West wind" or "gentle breeze". In Russian, "Зефи́р" (Zefír) refers to a specific type of confectionery marshmallow with a fluffy, airy texture and sweet taste. The term eventually became more widely used in various Slavic languages to refer to this particular type of marshmallow dessert.
