άζυμος
ázymos/ˈazimos/
The Greek word for "unleavened" is άζυμος (ázymos).
Meaning: without yeast (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the privative prefix α- (meaning without) and the root ζύμη (meaning yeast or leaven).
How does it change in a sentence?
The form άζυμος is the masculine singular form, which is used to modify masculine nouns such as άρτος (bread). In a religious context, the neuter plural form άζυμα is commonly used as a noun to refer to unleavened cakes or unleavened bread.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈazimos/
Did you know?
- The root ζύμη is the direct ancestor of the English word 'enzyme', which literally means 'in yeast'.
- The distinction between άζυμα and ζυμωτός bread was so contentious in the 11th century that it contributed to the Great Schism between the East and West.
- In ancient Greek culture, άζυμος bread was not just for religious rituals but was often used as a fast food for travelers because it did not spoil as quickly as leavened bread.
Examples in context
- άζυμος άρτοςUnleavened breadThis example shows how to use άζυμος to describe bread.
- Η αρτοποιία παρήγαγε ειδικό ψωμί για το Πάσχα, το οποίο είναι ἄζυμο.The bakery produced a special bread for Easter, which is unleavened.
- Το ψωμί αυτό είναι χωρίς μαγιά, αλλά παρ' όλα αυτά πολύ νόστιμο.This bread is unleavened, but still very tasty.
- Δίνετε ἄζυμο ψωμί;Do you have unleavened bread?
Example conversation
Maria and Nikos are discussing a recipe in the kitchen.
- Μαρία MariaΝίκο, είναι αυτός ο άζυμος άρτος;Níko, eínai aftós o ázymos ártos?Nikos, is this unleavened bread?
- Νίκος NikosΝαι, Μαρία, δεν έχει μαγιά.Nai, María, den échei magiá.Yes, Maria, it has no yeast.
- Μαρία MariaΓιατί προτιμάς τον άζυμος τρόπο;Giatí protimás ton ázymos trópo?Why do you prefer the unleavened way?
- Νίκος NikosΜου αρέσει περισσότερο η γεύση του.Mou arései perissótero i gfísi tou.I like its taste more.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “unleavened” translations and entries άζυμος, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
