Brinjal

Origin

From Portuguese brinjela, ultimately from Sanskrit भण्टाकी (bhaṇṭākī, "aubergine"). Sanskrit word is likely of origin, from the source that also ultimately gave English aubergine.

Alternative forms

• brinjall
• brinjaul

Full definition of brinjal

Noun

1. (India, Malaysia) An aubergine or eggplant.
• 1858, George Trevor, India, an historical sketch‎, Hindustan produces abundance of wheat, and throughout India the natives are plentifully supplied with vegetables and fruit; the brinjal, tomato, yam, carrot, radish, onion, garlic, spinach cabbage, nowkohl, cucumbers, and other gourds, may be mentioned among the former

Synonyms

• see the list in the entry eggplant

Related terms

• brown jolly