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Cakes Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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cakes

[keɪks ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

dessert

Sweet baked dessert made from a mixture of flour, sugar, eggs, and other ingredients, usually decorated with icing or frosting.

Synonyms

gateau, pastry, torte.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cakes

A general term for sweet baked treats that come in various shapes and sizes, often used for celebrations or desserts.

  • She baked two cakes for her birthday party.
  • The bakery sells a variety of cakes, including chocolate and vanilla.
pastry

A broader term that includes cakes but also other baked goods like tarts, pies, and croissants. Generally used to describe flaky, dough-based items.

  • She had a pastry and coffee for breakfast.
  • The bakery specializes in French pastry delicacies.
torte

A type of cake that is often dense and rich, frequently made with little to no flour and layered with creams or fruits. Commonly used in Central European cuisines.

  • For the holiday, they served a traditional Viennese torte.
  • He prefers a nut torte over a regular cake due to its rich texture.
gateau

A French term referring to a rich, decorated cake, often more elaborate and layered than standard cakes. Typically used in fine dining or upscale contexts.

  • The restaurant served a sumptuous chocolate gateau for dessert.
  • He wanted to impress his guests, so he ordered a raspberry gateau.

Examples of usage

  • She baked a delicious chocolate cake for her friend's birthday.
  • The wedding cake was beautifully decorated with flowers and pearls.
Context #2 | Noun

small round shape

A small round shape or mass, such as a disc or a piece of material.

Synonyms

circle, disc, round.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cakes

Used to refer to multiple sweet baked goods typically enjoyed as desserts or snacks.

  • We bought several cakes for the party.
  • She loves to bake cakes on weekends.
disc

Often used to refer to flat, round objects, particularly in technical or mechanical contexts. Also used for digital storage media.

  • He slipped a disc in his back.
  • The movie is available on Blu-ray disc.
round

Used to describe objects that are spherical or circular in shape. Also can describe a sequence or series of events.

  • The table in the kitchen is round.
  • The competition goes in several rounds.
circle

Used to describe a round shape or group of people or objects arranged in a round formation. Can also be used metaphorically to describe social groups.

  • Draw a circle on the paper.
  • The students formed a circle around the teacher.

Examples of usage

  • The children made sand cakes at the beach.
  • She stacked the building blocks into a tower like a cake.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The earliest cakes date back to Ancient Egypt, where they were more like bread with honey and nuts.
  • In medieval times, cakes were made with a mixture of eggs, flour, and sugar, starting to resemble what we know today.
  • Wedding cakes have been part of celebrations since ancient Rome, where people broke bread over the bride's head for good luck.

Cultural Significance

  • In Japan, a rice cake called 'mochi' is used to celebrate the New Year and other festivals.
  • In Mexico, 'rosca de reyes' is a special sweet bread enjoyed during Epiphany that contains a hidden figure for luck.
  • In many cultures, the way cakes are decorated can symbolize prosperity and good fortune.

Pop Culture

  • Famous baking competitions such as 'The Great British Bake Off' have popularized cake making as a beloved pastime.
  • Cakes have featured prominently in literature, like the Mad Hatter's tea party in 'Alice in Wonderland,' showcasing whimsical creations.
  • In movies, birthday cakes often play a role, symbolizing celebrations and memories shared among friends and family.

Science

  • Baking a cake involves a chemical reaction: when ingredients like baking soda and vinegar combine, they produce carbon dioxide that makes the cake rise.
  • The Maillard reaction, which occurs during baking, creates the golden crust and enhances flavor by combining sugars and proteins.
  • Different types of flour can drastically change a cake's texture, as gluten formation from wheat flour makes cakes chewy, while almond flour creates a denser crumb.

Psychology

  • Enjoying cake can trigger the release of dopamine, making people feel happier and increasing their mood during celebrations.
  • Studies show that sharing cake during gatherings strengthens social bonds and creates lasting memories.
  • Certain cake flavors can evoke nostalgia, triggering memories of family gatherings or childhood parties, creating emotional connections.

Origin of 'cakes'

The word 'cake' originated from the Old Norse word 'kaka', which means a baked flour confection. Cakes have been a part of human culture for centuries, with ancient civilizations like the Egyptians and Greeks creating early versions of cakes. Over time, cakes have evolved to become a popular dessert enjoyed worldwide, with countless varieties and flavors available.

See also: cake, pancake.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,623 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.