Arabic Loanwords in English

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Instructions: Discover English words that trace their roots back to the Arabic language — from algebra to zero!

1.
The word 'algebra' comes from the Arabic 'al-jabr.' What does 'al-jabr' roughly translate to?
A
The balance of equations
B
The science of counting
C
The reunion of broken parts
D
The numbers
2.
Which common English word for a type of fabric comes from the Arabic city name 'Dimashq' (Damascus)?
A
Damask
B
Denim
C
Satin
D
Muslin
3.
The English word 'zero' ultimately derives from which Arabic word?
A
Zahr
B
Zurqa
C
Sifr
D
Sahir
4.
Which word for a type of sweet syrupy drink comes from the Arabic 'sharab,' meaning 'to drink'?
A
Punch
B
Nectar
C
Cider
D
Sherbet
5.
The word 'algorithm' is derived from the name of which famous Arabic mathematician?
A
Ibn Sina
B
Al-Khwarizmi
C
Omar Khayyam
D
Al-Kindi
6.
Which English word meaning 'a storehouse' comes from the Arabic 'makhazin'?
A
Manor
B
Mansion
C
Market
D
Magazine
7.
The word 'cotton' is believed to derive from the Arabic word 'qutn.' What was the Arabic-speaking world known for in relation to cotton?
A
Using cotton only for sails
B
Inventing synthetic cotton
C
Banning cotton exports
D
Early cultivation and trade of cotton textiles
8.
Which popular caffeinated beverage gets its name from the Arabic word 'qahwa'?
A
Coffee
B
Cocoa
C
Chai
D
Tea
9.
The word 'admiral' comes from the Arabic 'amir al-bahr.' What does this phrase mean?
A
Commander of the sea
B
Master of ships
C
Guardian of the coast
D
King of the sea
10.
Which English word for a type of sofa or council comes from the Arabic 'diwan'?
A
Davenport
B
Deck
C
Divan
D
Duvet
11.
The word 'tariff' comes from the Arabic 'ta'rifa.' What does 'ta'rifa' mean?
A
Notification or inventory of fees
B
A trade agreement
C
A customs officer
D
A heavy tax
12.
Which common English word for a hooded cloak or a type of magazine article comes from Arabic?
A
Cape
B
Almanac
C
Safari
D
Hood
13.
The word 'lemon' entered English through Arabic from Persian. What is the Arabic form?
A
Lamun
B
Lamus
C
Laymun
D
Limun
14.
Which word meaning 'fate' or 'divine will' comes from the Arabic 'kisma'?
A
Karma
B
Kismet
C
Fortune
D
Destiny
15.
The word 'safari' is used in English for a wildlife expedition. From which Arabic word does it ultimately derive?
A
Sahra (desert)
B
Safa (purity)
C
Safir (ambassador)
D
Safar (journey)

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