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Butter Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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butter

[ˈbʌtər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

on toast

A pale yellow edible fatty substance made by churning cream and used as a spread or in cooking.

Synonyms

ghee, margarine, spread.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
butter

There is a duplicate of 'butter'. Usage and examples same as above.

  • He melted butter in the pan.
  • Butter is essential for making flaky pastries.
spread

A general term for a variety of substances that can be spread on bread, including butter, margarine, and other flavored spreads.

  • She bought a garlic herb spread for the dinner rolls.
  • This spread is perfect for sandwiches.
margarine

A butter substitute made from vegetable oils, often used for spreading and baking, typically less rich than butter.

  • He prefers margarine on his toast for health reasons.
  • You can use margarine instead of butter in this recipe.
ghee

A type of clarified butter used primarily in South Asian cuisine, has a nutty flavor.

  • She added a spoonful of ghee to the curry.
  • Ghee is often used in Ayurvedic medicine.

Examples of usage

  • Butter is delicious on toast.
  • She spread butter on her bread.
  • The recipe calls for a stick of butter.
Context #2 | Verb

someone up

To spread butter on or over.

Synonyms

coat, grease, spread.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
butter

Informally, it can mean flattery or excessive praise, often insincerely.

  • He tried to butter up his boss before asking for a raise
  • Don't butter me up; just tell me the truth
spread

Indicates distributing a substance evenly over a surface, can be used in both culinary and non-culinary contexts.

  • Spread the mayonnaise on the bread
  • The news spread quickly around town
coat

Used when covering a surface with a thin layer of a substance, often in cooking or painting.

  • Coat the chicken in breadcrumbs before frying
  • The walls need another coat of paint
grease

Usually refers to applying a fatty or oily substance to reduce friction or prevent sticking, commonly in cooking or machinery maintenance.

  • Grease the baking pan so the cake doesn't stick
  • You need to grease the gears to keep the machine running smoothly

Examples of usage

  • She buttered up the toast.
  • He buttered up the pan before cooking the eggs.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • Butter has been made by churning cream for thousands of years, with its earliest known origins dating back to at least 2000 B.C. in the Middle East.
  • The word 'butter' comes from the Greek word 'bytos,' which was derived from the word 'bous' meaning cow, highlighting its dairy origins.

Culinary Uses

  • It is essential in French cuisine, often used for sauces and pastries, showcasing its influence on gourmet cooking.
  • Different countries use butter in various ways: in India, it's clarified into ghee, while in Italy, it's often mixed with herbs for spreads.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, butter is associated with hospitality, often being served to guests to enhance their meals.
  • Butter sculptures are a traditional feature at county fairs in the U.S., representing agricultural pride and creativity.

Health Insights

  • While often viewed as unhealthy due to saturated fat content, recent studies suggest moderate consumption may not be as detrimental as previously thought.
  • Butter contains vitamins A, D, E, and K, with some claiming that these nutrients can support immune function and skin health.

Pop Culture

  • Butter has appeared in numerous idioms and expressions, like 'butter wouldn't melt in his mouth,' indicating someone who is innocent or demure.
  • The famous song 'Butter' by the K-pop group BTS took the world by storm, adding a modern twist to an age-old food term.

Origin of 'butter'

The word 'butter' originated from the Old English word 'butere', which is of West Germanic origin. Butter has been used as a food source for thousands of years, with evidence of its production dating back to around 2000 BC in ancient Mesopotamia. It has been a staple in many cuisines around the world and is valued for its creamy texture and rich flavor.

See also: buttocks.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,438, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.