The Arabic root behind 'tahini' means what verb?

The Arabic root behind “tahini” means “to grind.”

The word comes from the Classical Arabic root ط ح ن, represented in transliteration as ṭ-ḥ-n. Its verb form means “to grind,” a direct reference to the process of crushing sesame seeds into the smooth, oily paste called tahini. The same root also produces Arabic words connected with flour and milling in some dialects.

Tahini is not simply a roasted-sesame flavoring: it is a seed butter made by grinding sesame, most commonly hulled seeds. The seeds may be roasted or left raw, and the choice changes the color and flavor. Tahini is a key ingredient in hummus, but it is also served with vegetables, meat, and bread.

A common mix-up is to assume the name refers to roasting or soaking, because those steps can occur during preparation. They are culinary techniques, however; the word’s etymological connection is specifically the grinding that transforms seeds into paste.