Breadcrumb Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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breadcrumb

[หˆbrษ›d.kษนสŒm ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

cooking term

Breadcrumbs are small particles of bread that are created by breaking or grinding bread into fine pieces. They are commonly used in cooking as a coating for fried food, as a topping for baked dishes, or as an ingredient in stuffing. Breadcrumbs can be made from fresh bread, which is dried out slightly, or from stale bread that is processed into smaller pieces. There are different varieties of breadcrumbs, including fine, coarse, and panko, each serving its own purpose in culinary applications.

Synonyms

bread crumbs, crumbs, fine bread.

Examples of usage

  • I coated the chicken with breadcrumbs before frying it.
  • She sprinkled breadcrumbs on top of the casserole for added crunch.
  • The recipe calls for toasted breadcrumbs mixed with herbs.
  • He used stale bread to make homemade breadcrumbs.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In the Brothers Grimm fairy tale, 'Hansel and Gretel', the children leave a trail of breadcrumbs to find their way home, symbolizing hope and survival.
  • Breadcrumbs are often used in literature to represent clues or guiding hints that characters follow to solve problems or mysteries.

Culinary Arts

  • Breadcrumbs have been utilized in cooking for centuries, serving as a base for stuffing, topping, or thickening sauces.
  • Different types of breadcrumbs, like panko or seasoned crumbs, bring unique textures and flavors to dishes.

Technology

  • In web design, 'breadcrumbs' refer to a navigation aid showing users their current page's location within the website's hierarchy.
  • This digital breadcrumbing allows users to backtrack easily, much like following a trail on a map.

Psychology

  • The term โ€˜breadcrumbingโ€™ in relationships refers to someone giving little hints or signs to keep someone interested without making serious commitments.
  • This behavior can create confusion and lead individuals to feel uncertain about their social connections.

Origin of 'breadcrumb'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'breadcrumb' originated in the 18th century, combining 'bread' and 'crumb', referring to small bits of bread.
  • The concept of breadcrumbs as a metaphor for guidance or navigation gained popularity with the rise of computers and the internet.

The word 'breadcrumb' originates from the combination of 'bread' and 'crumb'. The term 'bread' can be traced back to Old English 'brฤ“ad', referring to a piece of bread or loaf. The word 'crumb' comes from the Old English 'crom', which means a small piece or fragment. Breadcrumbs have been a staple in cooking for centuries, used in various cultures to enhance texture and flavor in dishes. Historically, breadcrumbs were often created as a means to utilize stale bread, reducing waste and providing a resourceful way to enrich meals. Today, they continue to play a significant role in gastronomy, from home cooking to gourmet cuisine.