éclair

noun

ē-ˈkler  ā- 

e-,

ə-;

ˈē-ˌkler 

ˈā-,

ˈe-

: a usually chocolate-frosted oblong pastry filled with whipped cream or custard

Word History

Etymology

French, literally, lightning

First Known Use

1861, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

éclair

noun

ā-ˈkla(ə)r  i- 

-ˈkle(ə)r;

ˈā-ˌkla(ə)r,

-ˌkle(ə)r,

ˈē-

: an oblong pastry with whipped cream or custard filling

Etymology

French, literally, "lightning"

Word Origin

The English word éclair comes directly from a French word whose chief meaning is "lightning" or "flash of lightning." No one is sure why a pastry was named after lightning. Some say the lightness of the cream puff and its soft filling is the reason for the name. Perhaps more likely its richness and oblong shape, easily held in one hand, compel a person to eat it in a flash.