A type of sugar, often in the form of a cube, commonly used in Persian tea culture.

Origin: The word 'قند' (qand) originates from the Persian language, with its earliest form appearing as 'qand' in Middle Persian. It was borrowed into Arabic as 'قند' due to the historical trade routes and cultural exchanges between the Persian and Arab worlds.
Historical and Cultural Context: Historically, 'qand' was first attested in Persian texts dating back to the Sassanian era, around the 3rd to 7th centuries CE. It was used to describe crystallized sugar, which was a luxury item traded along the Silk Road.
Evolution: Over time, 'qand' spread to other languages, including Arabic and Urdu, maintaining its original meaning. It is a cognate with the English word 'candy,' which ultimately derives from the Arabic 'qand.'
Modern Relevance: Today, 'qand' is commonly used in Iran to refer to sugar cubes, often enjoyed with tea. It has retained its original meaning, and the word is still prevalent in everyday Persian conversations.

The word 'qand' is the etymological root for the English word 'candy.'