Caking Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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caking

[ˈkeɪ.kɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

baking process

Caking refers to the formation of lumps or clumps in a substance, often as a result of moisture or pressure. It can occur in baking when ingredients like flour or sugar aggregate, leading to a less desirable texture in cakes and baked goods.

Synonyms

aggregating, clumping, lumping.

Examples of usage

  • The sugar started caking due to humidity.
  • Ensure that the flour does not cake in the mixing bowl.
  • Caking can ruin the consistency of your frosting.
Context #2 | Noun

textile industry

Caking in this context refers to the build-up of residue or material that hardens on surfaces or in machinery, often necessitating cleaning or maintenance. It is commonly related to the textile industry where dyes and chemicals can cake on equipment.

Synonyms

buildup, deposit, residue.

Examples of usage

  • Caking on the machine can lead to operational issues.
  • Regular maintenance helps prevent caking in textile equipment.
  • During the dyeing process, caking may affect the quality of the fabric.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Caking is often seen in powdery substances when humidity causes them to stick together, creating lumps.
  • In chemistry, caking can refer to the unwanted clumping of powders, which can affect the accuracy of measurements in experiments.
  • Controlling caking is crucial in food processing, where powdered ingredients must remain free-flowing for easy use.

Culinary Arts

  • Caking is an essential technique in baking, where layers of frosting are applied to a cake for decoration and flavor.
  • Chefs often use caking to describe glazes or coatings applied to meats, like a spice mix that forms a crust.
  • In dessert preparation, caking can refer to the method of creating layered desserts, which blend flavors and textures.

Art and Culture

  • Caking can be a metaphor in literature, representing layers of experience or emotion that build over time.
  • In street art, the technique of 'caking' can refer to layering paint to create a textured mural.
  • The practice of caking also appears in body art, where layers of face paint can be applied for dramatic effect in performances.

Psychology

  • In psychological terms, caking can metaphorically describe how certain thoughts or feelings accumulate, forming 'layers' of emotional experiences.
  • Therapeutic practices often encourage individuals to remove these layers to reveal underlying issues, similar to removing frosting from a cake.
  • Caking, as a concept, can help understand how stress or anxiety builds up over time, affecting mental health.

Origin of 'caking'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'cake' originally comes from the Old Norse word 'kaka', used to describe baked goods.
  • Over time, caking evolved to describe the process of something forming into lumps or cakes, relating to how cakes are made.
  • The term has been used in various industries, including manufacturing, to describe the accumulation of materials.

The term 'caking' originates from the Old English word 'cake,' which itself derives from the Norse word 'kaka.' The evolution of the word has maintained its link to baked goods, where the concept of forming a cake is both literal and metaphorical. In earlier contexts, the use of 'cake' included not only the dessert but also the idea of something being formed or compacted together. The term has evolved to describe various processes across different fields, including baking, construction, and material science, illustrating the diverse applications of the concept of forming lumps or aggregates. By the late 19th century, the term began to be used more broadly in industries dealing with powders and granular substances, referring to the unwanted clumping that can occur due to factors like moisture, heat, or pressure.


Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,794, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.