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Blackening Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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blackening

[หˆblรฆkษ™nษชล‹ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

cooking

The process of cooking something, especially meat or fish, until its surface becomes black because of being burnt.

Synonyms

burning, charring, scorching.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
blackening

Given the repetition, the context is the same as the first entry.

  • The meat had a delicious blackening crust from the grill.
  • The blackening of the walls indicated the extent of the fire damage.
burning

Generally used to describe something that is on fire or has been destroyed by fire. It can also refer to intense emotional feelings.

  • The house was burning uncontrollably by the time the firefighters arrived.
  • She felt a burning desire to win the competition.
charring

Specific to the partial burning of an object, leaving it blackened but not completely destroyed. This term is often used in cooking and fire damage descriptions.

  • The vegetables had a nice charring that added flavor.
  • The charring on the wood showed how intense the fire had been.
scorching

Usually describes something being burned on the surface with strong heat, but not necessarily turned black. It can also be used metaphorically to describe extreme heat or criticism.

  • The scorching sun made it difficult to stay outside for long.
  • The critic gave a scorching review of the movie.

Examples of usage

  • The chef was blackening the salmon on the grill.
  • The steak was blackened to perfection.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cooking Techniques

  • In culinary terms, blackening refers to a cooking method where food, usually fish, is coated in spices and seared over high heat, creating a dark crust.
  • The technique originated in Louisiana and is popular in Cajun cuisine, particularly for dishes like blackened redfish.
  • Blackening not only affects color but also enhances flavor, as the spices create a rich and smoky taste.

Environmental Science

  • In the context of environmental studies, blackening can refer to the darkening of glaciers due to soot and debris, which affects their melting rates.
  • Urbanization has led to 'blackened' landscapes, caused by asphalt and concrete dominating natural colors, impacting local ecosystems.
  • Darkening in nature can also occur through pollution, which affects air quality and visibility.

Cultural References

  • Blackening has been a metaphor in literature and art, often depicting themes of despair, loss, or transformation.
  • In some cultures, blackening ceremonies or rituals symbolize a transition, often marking a change or new beginning.
  • The concept of 'blackening' can also be found in media as a representation of fear or foreboding, often used in horror genres.

Origin of 'blackening'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'blรฆcan,' meaning to make black or dark.
  • The term has been used since the 16th century to describe various processes of darkening, especially in cooking.
  • In literature, 'blackening' can symbolize mood changes, representing evil or danger.

The term 'blackening' originated in Louisiana, USA, where it became popular as a cooking technique in Cajun cuisine. The method involves seasoning meat or fish with a combination of spices and herbs, then cooking it in a very hot cast-iron skillet to create a charred, blackened exterior. This technique adds a unique flavor to the dish and has since spread to other culinary traditions.

See also: black, blackbird, blackboard, blacken, blackened, blackhead, blacklist, blackmail, blackness, blackout.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,275, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.