plural chia
1
: an annual herb (Salvia hispanica) of the mint family that is native to Mexico and Guatemala, has spikes of blue, purple, or white flowers, and is grown for its grayish, edible, mucilaginous seeds which are eaten whole or used especially to make a beverage or oil
… to develop, test and grow new cultivars of chia that are able to produce seed in the cooler climate of the Upper South and Midwest, with the potential to increase production of this crop with a traceable domestic supply.Susan Smith-Durisek
also : any of several related salvias (especially Salvia columbariae) of the southwestern U.S. and Mexico
2
or chia seed : the seed of a chia
When mixed with water, the fiber in chia forms a gel that lowers cholesterol and keeps blood sugar stable.Jane E. Brody
Chia seeds are tiny and have a very mild taste, making them easy to add to all kinds of foods to boost nutrition.Megan Murphy

Examples of chia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web When eaten, chia seeds form a gelatin-like substance that helps soften stools and promotes regular bowel movements. Sarah Scott, Verywell Health, 22 Oct. 2024 Adding chia seeds can improve protein content and add omega-3 fatty acids to those bites. 10. Merve Ceylan, Health, 14 Oct. 2024 Chia seeds: Add chia seeds to smoothies, yogurt, or oatmeal. Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 10 Oct. 2024 Chia seeds Next up is another type of seed: One ounce of chia seeds (roughly ⅛ cup) contains 95 mg of magnesium, according to the USDA. Caroline Tien, SELF, 3 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for chia 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'chia.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Spanish chía, from Nahuatl chía, chian, from Maya chiháan "strong, strengthening"

First Known Use

1832, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of chia was in 1832

Dictionary Entries Near chia

Cite this Entry

“Chia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chia. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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