Cheese: meaning, definitions and examples

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cheese

 

[tสƒiหz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

food

A solid food made from the pressed curd of milk, often seasoned and aged.

Synonyms

dairy product, fromage, queso.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cheese

This is the most commonly used word in English to refer to that solid dairy product made from milk. It can be used in everyday conversation, recipes, and in both informal and formal settings.

  • Can you please pass the cheese?
  • I love a good cheese sandwich.
dairy product

This term is more general and can refer to any product made from milk, not just cheese. It's often used in a more formal or technical context, such as nutrition, agriculture, or food science.

  • Yogurt is also a dairy product.
  • We need to cut down on our consumption of dairy products.
fromage

This is the French word for cheese. It's commonly used in English when referring to French cheese or in contexts where French cuisine is discussed. It can add a touch of sophistication or authenticity.

  • The restaurant has a wide selection of fromage.
  • I bought some brie, a delicious French fromage.
queso

This is the Spanish word for cheese. Itโ€™s often seen in contexts related to Spanish-speaking cultures or cuisines. It might specifically refer to Mexican or Latin American dishes.

  • Queso fresco is often used in Mexican cooking.
  • Can we have some queso with our chips?

Examples of usage

  • I love eating cheese with crackers.
  • She ordered a pizza with extra cheese.
  • The cheese board included a variety of cheeses.
Context #2 | Verb

informal

To smile broadly.

Synonyms

beam, grin, smile.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cheese

Used as an interjection for directing someone to smile for a photograph.

  • Everyone say cheese!
  • Hold still! Cheese!
smile

A general term for a friendly or happy facial expression. It is the most neutral term among the group.

  • She smiled at the baby.
  • A smile can brighten someone's day.
grin

Implies a broad smile that shows teeth, often used to describe a mischievous or knowing smile. Can have a slightly negative or playful connotation.

  • He grinned after pulling the prank.
  • She greeted me with a wide grin.
beam

Describes a wide, happy smile often associated with a feeling of pride, joy, or bright happiness.

  • She beamed with pride as her son received the award.
  • He couldn't stop beaming after hearing the great news.

Examples of usage

  • She cheesed for the camera.
  • He cheesed at the joke.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'cheese' comes from the Latin word 'caseus', which is also the root for 'casein', a protein found in milk.
  • Old English referred to it as 'cyning' and 'cyninges,' evolving into the modern term over centuries.

Cultural Significance

  • Cheese has been an important part of diets around the world, with cultures in France and Italy celebrating various cheese festivals.
  • In the UK, cheese rolling is a quirky tradition where people chase wheels of cheese down a hill!

Science

  • Cheese is produced through the process of fermentation, where bacteria convert lactose into lactic acid, making it taste different and last longer.
  • Different types of cheese depend on factors like the milk source (cow, goat, sheep) and the aging process, which can range from weeks to years.

Health

  • Cheese contains calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth, making it a beneficial addition to many diets.
  • Some cheeses are rich in probiotics, which can improve gut health and boost the immune system.

Pop Culture

  • 'Cheese' is often used in movies and cartoons to refer to something fun or silly, famously associated with the phrase 'Say cheese!' for photos.
  • Cheese has inspired famous culinary dishes like pizza, macaroni and cheese, and charcuterie boards, placing it prominently in food culture.

Translations

Translations of the word "cheese" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น queijo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคชเคจเฅ€เคฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Kรคse

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ keju

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ัะธั€

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ ser

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒใƒผใ‚บ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท fromage

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ queso

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท peynir

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์น˜์ฆˆ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฌุจู†

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ sรฝr

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ syr

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅฅถ้…ช

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ sir

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ ostur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั–ั€ั–ะผัˆั–ะบ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒงแƒ•แƒ”แƒšแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ pendir

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ queso

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,272, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.