Breadbasket Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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breadbasket
[ˈbrɛdˌbæs.kɪt ]
Definition
food container
A breadbasket is a container typically used for serving bread at the dinner table. It can be made from various materials such as wicker, fabric, or metal. The breadbasket serves both a practical purpose by keeping bread accessible and fresh, and an aesthetic role by enhancing the dining experience.
Synonyms
bread bin, bread dish, bread holder.
Examples of usage
- The restaurant presented the warm rolls in a beautiful breadbasket.
- She placed the breadbasket in the center of the table for guests to help themselves.
- He reached for a slice from the breadbasket as the meal began.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Geography
- The Midwest United States is often referred to as the 'breadbasket' of America due to its rich soil and wheat production.
- Regions like Ukraine and Russia are also considered breadbaskets because of their vast fields of grains.
- In ancient Egypt, the Nile Delta was dubbed a breadbasket for being able to sustain large populations with grain.
Economics
- Breadbasket areas are crucial for food supply chains and contribute significantly to a country's economy.
- Agricultural products from these regions are often exported, bolstering trade relationships.
- Understanding where breadbaskets are located can help in planning for food security in times of crisis.
Cultural Significance
- In many cultures, bread is a staple food, representing life and nourishment.
- Songs and literature often refer to breadbasket regions to illustrate abundance or hardships related to food supply.
- Culinary traditions from breadbasket areas often highlight the importance of bread, using it in various recipes from different cultures.
Environmental Impact
- The agricultural practices in breadbasket regions have a significant impact on local ecosystems.
- Intensive farming techniques have led to soil degradation, prompting discussions on sustainable practices.
- Climate change poses threats to these essential areas, affecting yields and food sustainability.
Origin of 'breadbasket'
Main points about word origin
- The term comes from the literal basket used to hold bread, symbolizing abundance in agriculture.
- It is often used to describe fertile areas, specifically in the context of large grain production.
- The phrase started appearing in literature around the late 19th century to denote food-producing regions.
The term 'breadbasket' originates from the combination of two words: 'bread' and 'basket'. 'Bread' has Old English roots, deriving from 'brēad', which means 'food, especially a loaf or mass of baked dough'. This word has been in use for centuries to describe one of the staple foods in many cultures. 'Basket' comes from the Middle English word 'baskette', which is a diminutive of the Old French 'basque', meaning a small container woven from flexible materials. In the context of dining, the combination of these two terms emerged to refer specifically to a vessel used for serving bread, highlighting its centrality in meals. The concept of a breadbasket encapsulates the cultural significance of bread as a fundamental part of a meal, symbolizing sustenance and hospitality.