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Buttermilk: meaning, definitions and examples

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buttermilk

 

[ ˈbʌtərˌmɪlk ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

dairy product

Buttermilk is a slightly sour liquid produced during the churning of butter from cream. Traditionally, it referred to the liquid left behind after churning butter from cow's milk. In modern dairy production, buttermilk typically refers to a fermented dairy product made from skim milk or low-fat milk, where lactic acid bacteria are added to ferment the milk and give it a tart flavor. Buttermilk is commonly used in cooking and baking, contributing to the tenderness of baked goods. It is also praised for its health benefits, including being a source of probiotics and lower in fat compared to regular milk.

Synonyms

cultured milk, fermented milk

Examples of usage

  • I used buttermilk to make fluffy pancakes.
  • Adding buttermilk to the cake batter makes it more moist.
  • Buttermilk is a key ingredient in traditional southern biscuits.

Translations

Translations of the word "buttermilk" in other languages:

🇵🇹 buttermilk

🇮🇳 छाछ

🇩🇪 Buttermilch

🇮🇩 susu mentega

🇺🇦 масляне молоко

🇵🇱 maślanka

🇯🇵 バターミルク

🇫🇷 lait de beurre

🇪🇸 suero de leche

🇹🇷 ayran

🇰🇷 버터밀크

🇸🇦 لبن زبدة

🇨🇿 podmáslí

🇸🇰 podmáslie

🇨🇳 酪乳

🇸🇮 maslenica

🇮🇸 smjörmjólk

🇰🇿 сары май сүті

🇬🇪 კარაქის რძე

🇦🇿 kərə yağı südü

🇲🇽 suero de leche

Word origin

The term 'buttermilk' dates back to at least the 15th century and originates from the practice of churning cream to make butter. During this process, the liquid that remains was called 'buttermilk'. Historically, buttermilk was understood as the byproduct of butter-making, hence its name. It was often consumed by farmers and rural communities, who appreciated its nutritional benefits and unique flavor. As dairy processing evolved, the definition of buttermilk expanded to include cultured varieties made from skim or low-fat milk. This adaptation made buttermilk accessible beyond traditional butter-making practices, cementing its role in various culinary traditions. As of today, buttermilk remains a staple in many kitchens, known for its versatility in both sweet and savory dishes.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,840, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.