Cream: meaning, definitions and examples

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cream

[kriːm ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

skin care

A substance that is applied to the skin to moisturize and nourish it, often used in beauty routines.

Synonyms

lotion, moisturizer, ointment.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
cream	This can also refer to the dairy product used in cooking and baking, which has a rich and thick consistency. He added cream to the sauce to make it richer Would you like some cream in your coffee?
lotion	A fluid skincare product that's lighter than cream. Often used for daily hydration, especially for larger areas of the body like arms and legs. I use body lotion after every shower This lotion helps keep my skin smooth
moisturizer	A general term for any product used to add moisture to the skin. Can be in the form of a cream, lotion, or gel. A good moisturizer is essential for preventing dry skin She always carries a small moisturizer in her purse
ointment	A thick, greasy substance used for medicinal purposes. Often used for treating wounds, burns, or skin conditions. The doctor gave me an ointment for my rash Apply this ointment to the cut twice a day

Examples of usage

Sarah always applies a cream before going to bed to keep her skin hydrated.
The cream recommended by the dermatologist helped improve my dry skin.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

food

A thick, rich liquid or semi-solid dairy product made by churning milk or cream.

Synonyms

double cream, heavy cream, whipping cream.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
cream	Commonly used to refer to the general dairy product. It can be used in cooking, baking, and adding to coffee. It usually has a lower fat content and is versatile. I add cream to my coffee every morning The recipe calls for a cup of cream
heavy cream	Similar to double cream but often used more in the US. It has a fat content of 36-40% and is ideal for making whipped cream, creamy soups, and sauces. Heavy cream is used to make the soup richer He prepared whipped cream using heavy cream
whipping cream	Contains a fat content of about 30-36%. It is primarily used for whipping into a light and airy texture suitable for toppings on desserts and beverages. She used whipping cream to top the strawberries Whipping cream is best for making fluffy whipped cream
double cream	This has a high-fat content (around 48%) and is thicker than regular cream. It is often used in the UK for rich desserts, making sauces, and cooking due to its creamy texture. Double cream is perfect for making a rich, velvety sauce I topped the pie with a generous amount of double cream

Examples of usage

I like to add a dollop of cream to my coffee for extra richness.
The chef used cream to make the sauce for the pasta.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

dessert

A sweet, typically dairy-based, food product that is used to add flavor and richness to desserts.

Synonyms

custard, frosting, icing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
cream	Dairy product obtained by skimming off the top layer of milk; used in coffee, desserts, and cooking. She added a splash of cream to her coffee. The recipe calls for a cup of heavy cream.
icing	A thin, sugary glaze used to coat and decorate baked goods, often harder and shinier than frosting. The cookies were covered in a layer of glossy icing. He piped intricate designs with the royal icing.
frosting	Sweet, creamy topping used to coat cakes and cupcakes, made from sugar, butter, and flavorings. The chocolate frosting on the cake was rich and smooth. She decorated the cupcakes with colorful frosting.
custard	A sweet, thickened mixture typically made with milk, eggs, and sugar, often used in desserts. He served a delicious custard with fresh berries. Vanilla custard is a filling for many pastries.

Examples of usage

The strawberry shortcake was topped with a delicious cream.
I prefer my desserts with a dollop of whipped cream.

Interesting Facts

Culinary History

Cream has been used in cooking since ancient times, with early references found in Roman cuisine.
In medieval Europe, cream was a sign of wealth, as only the richest could afford dairy products.
Whipped cream was first documented in French cookbooks in the 16th century, becoming a staple in desserts.

Science and Nutrition

Cream is rich in fats, which contribute to its smooth texture and enhance flavors in dishes.
The calorie content of cream is significantly higher than that of regular milk due to its fat concentration.
Lactose, the sugar found in cream, is more easily digestible when it's combined with fat.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, cream is associated with luxury and indulgence, often used in celebrations and special events.
The phrase 'cream rises to the top' is often used metaphorically to suggest that the best will stand out over time.
Different cultures have unique variations of cream, such as clotted cream in Britain and crème fraîche in France.

Art and Literature

Cream has inspired countless recipes and food photographs, showcasing its creaminess and versatility.
In poetry and literature, cream can symbolize richness and indulgence, often used in descriptions of feasts or comfort food.
Artists have painted still life compositions featuring cream and fruits, highlighting the beauty of natural foods.

Pop Culture

The phrase 'the cream of the crop' suggests the best of a group and has appeared in various songs and media.
In the world of ice cream, flavors and types of cream-based desserts have sparked trends and social media challenges.
Cream has been featured in TV cooking shows, demonstrating its importance in creating gourmet dishes.

Translations

Translations of the word "cream" in other languages:

🇵🇹 creme

🇮🇳 क्रीम

🇩🇪 Sahne

🇮🇩 krim

🇺🇦 крем

🇵🇱 krem

🇯🇵 クリーム (kurīmu)

🇫🇷 crème

🇪🇸 crema

🇹🇷 krema

🇰🇷 크림 (keurim)

🇸🇦 كريم

🇨🇿 krém

🇸🇰 krém

🇨🇳 奶油 (nǎiyóu)

🇸🇮 smetana

🇮🇸 rjómi

🇰🇿 крем

🇬🇪 ნაღები

🇦🇿 krem

🇲🇽 crema

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,624, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.

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3621 beliefs
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3625 ranging
3626 sympathy
3627 defects
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