ersatz

[ er-zahts, -sahts, er-zahts, -sahts ]
/ ˈɛr zɑts, -sɑts, ɛrˈzɑts, -ˈsɑts /

adjective

serving as a substitute; synthetic; artificial: an ersatz coffee made from grain.

noun

an artificial substance or article used to replace something natural or genuine; a substitute.

Origin of ersatz

1870–75; < German Ersatz a substitute (derivative of ersetzen to replace)

Example sentences from the Web for ersatz

British Dictionary definitions for ersatz

ersatz
/ (ˈɛəzæts, ˈɜː-) /

adjective

made in imitation of some natural or genuine product; artificial

noun

an ersatz substance or article

Word Origin for ersatz

C20: German, from ersetzen to substitute