arbol chile

noun

ar·​bol chile ˈär-bōl- 

variants or árbol chile or arbol chili or árbol chili

food

: chile de árbol

In preparing the dish, a puree of arbol chiles—a type of dried chile widely available at specialty food stores and ethnic markets—is seared into the white-fleshed fish.

—Michael Bauer, The San Francisco Chronicle, 5 Apr. 2000

Word History

First Known Use

1986, in the meaning defined above

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now