OK is the most widely understood word in the world — origins debated since the 1830s

The word 'algorithm' comes from al-Khwarizmi, a 9th-century Persian mathematician

'Algorithm' derives from Al-Khwarizmi's name, pioneering mathematician

Beer was first brewed around 5,000 BC in Mesopotamia — some of the oldest recipes survive

Beer originated circa 5,000 BC in ancient Mesopotamia

The word 'quarantine' comes from 'quaranta giorni' — 40 days ships waited in Venice during plague

'Quarantine' originates from 'quaranta giorni' of Venice's plague-era ship isolation

Chili peppers are native to the Americas — they didn't exist in Asian cuisine before Columbus

Chili peppers originated in the Americas, not Asia, pre-Columbus era

The first antibiotic penicillin was discovered by accident in 1928 — Alexander Fleming left a petri dish uncovered

Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin in 1928 by accident

Chocolate was a bitter drink in Mesoamerica for 3,000 years before Europeans added sugar

Chocolate: Mesoamerican bitter beverage until Europeans introduced sugar