multiplier onion
- noun
- /ˈmʌltɪˌplaɪər ˈʌnɪn/
- Specialized
:
cebolla de multiplicación
- Chopped multiplier onions can enhance the flavor of various dishes.
Examples
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I added some multiplier onions to the pasta sauce for extra taste.
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For a unique twist, try roasting multiplier onions as a side dish.
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If you're a fan of multiplier onions, you'll want to hear our discussion on that.
Blog text (32)
Synonyms
28
3.4
A small, mild onion-like bulb cooks use to add flavor
A small onion with a mild taste used to add flavor to food
A small onion with several joined bulbs and a mild taste used in cooking
A small onion that grows in clusters and is used to add a mild taste to food
Surface Forms
Morphology
multiplier + onion
The meaning (an onion that multiplies/produces multiple bulbs) is compositionally related to 'multiplier' (one that multiplies) + 'onion', so there is a clear logical link. However, 'multiplier' is a low-frequency, technical noun (not found in the provided dictionary entry) and the horticultural nuance is specialized, so a B1 learner who knows basic words would only partially infer the precise sense without prior exposure.
Etymology
Multiplier onion comes from the way the plant makes many small bulbs around the main one, so the word multiplier means the bulbs 'multiply'. That's why the name refers to an onion with lots of small, mild bulbs used as a seasoning.