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Churning: meaning, definitions and examples

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churning

 

[ ˈtΚƒΙœrnΙͺΕ‹ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

food processing

Churning is the process of agitating cream or milk to make butter. This technique involves the mechanical movement of the liquid to separate fat globules from the liquid, resulting in a solid mass of butter. Churning can be done manually or with machines, and it's a traditional method used for centuries in dairy production. In a broader context, churning can also refer to any repetitive actions that generate a significant change or transformation in the material being processed.

Synonyms

agitating, mixing, whipping

Examples of usage

  • She spent the afternoon churning butter from fresh cream.
  • The machine is designed for churning large quantities of milk.
  • Churning yogurt can enhance its flavor and texture.
Context #2 | Verb

investment markets

In the context of finance, churning refers to the practice of a broker or dealer executing numerous trades for the purpose of generating commissions, rather than benefiting the client’s investment strategy. This practice can be unethical and is usually illegal unless it serves the interest of the client. Churning can lead to excessive transaction costs for clients without a corresponding benefit to their portfolios.

Synonyms

overtrading, trading excessively

Examples of usage

  • The broker was accused of churning accounts to increase his commissions.
  • Churning can significantly reduce the returns on investment.
  • Regulators are cracking down on instances of churning in brokerage firms.

Etymology

The term 'churning' originates from the Old English word 'cyrn', meaning 'to turn or stir'. This word is historically related to the process of making butter, where milk cream is agitated to separate butterfat from buttermilk. Over time, the term evolved to describe the mechanical process of creating butter and other dairy products. In financial contexts, 'churning' was first used in the late 20th century as the stock market became more complex and transactional, wherein brokers engaged in excessive trading to benefit from commissions. The linguistic evolution of the word illustrates how it has maintained its core concept of motion and transformation, applicable both in food production and financial markets. This dual applicability highlights the flexibility of language in adapting to various fields while retaining fundamental meanings.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,497, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.