ai

A three-toed sloth, especially the pale-throated sloth. Portuguese “ai” < Tupi “ai”=imitation of the sound made by the sloth.

ayah

A nursemaid or nanny employed by Europeans in India or another former British territory. Anglo-Indian “aya” < Portuguese “aia”=nurse < feminine form of “aio”=tutor.

palanquin

A covered litter for one passenger, consisting of a large box carried on two horizontal poles by four or six bearers. Portuguese “palanquim” < Hindi “palaki” < Sanskrit “paalyanka”=bed, litter.

baroque

Highly ornate and extravagant in style. French “baroque” < Portuguese “barroco”=a rough or imperfect pearl.

joss

Chinese idol of a deity. Portuguese “deos”=god < Latin “deus”=God.

cuspidor

A dish into which someone spits; a spittoon. Portuguese “cuspidor”=spitter < “cuspir”=to spit < Latin “conspuere”=to spit upon,

monsoon

Seasonal wind in South and South East Asia that can bring heavy rain. Portuguese “moncao” < Arabic “mawsim”=season.

travado

Sudden violent storm of wind and rain with thunder and lightning; a tornado. Portuguese “travados” < “travar”=to twist, twine.

maracas

Hollow balls with handles, shaken to make a sound. Portuguese “maraca” < Tupi “mbaraka” < “mara”=noise + “aka”=chief.

molasses

Thick, brown, uncrystallized syrup drained from raw sugar. Portuguese “melaco” < Latin “mellacium” < “mel”=honey.