Ziti are macaroni tubes sized smaller than rigatoni but larger than mezzani . The addition of the word Rigati (eg Ziti Rigati) denotes lines or ridges on the pasta's surface.
Ziti receives its name from the Italian Language, where it means "Bridegrooms". Although the common form of Ziti is about 2 inches in length, the name makes more sense when considering the original, classic form of ziti - over 18 inches long.
