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Croissant Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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croissant

[krwɑːˈsɒ̃ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

food item

A croissant is a buttery, flaky, and pastry made from a rich yeast-leavened dough. It is shaped into a crescent form, which contributes to its distinctive appearance and texture. Originally from Austria, it was popularized in France, where it became a staple in bakeries and cafes. Croissants are often enjoyed for breakfast and can be served plain or filled with various ingredients like chocolate or almond paste.

Synonyms

bread roll, crescent roll, pastry.

Examples of usage

  • I had a delicious croissant with my coffee this morning.
  • The bakery's croissants are freshly baked every day.
  • She placed a chocolate croissant in her shopping basket.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Culinary Traditions

  • In France, croissants are often enjoyed with breakfast, typically paired with coffee or hot chocolate.
  • The traditional way to make a croissant involves a process called lamination, where layers of dough and butter are folded multiple times.

Cultural Significance

  • Croissants are a symbol of French culture, often associated with Parisian cafes and leisurely brunches.
  • They are celebrated on 'National Croissant Day' in the United States, observed on January 30th.

Nutrition

  • A regular croissant is high in carbohydrates and fats, making it a rich indulgence when enjoyed in moderation.
  • Some variations adapt the recipe to include whole grain flour for added fiber.

Pop Culture

  • Croissants frequently appear in films, showcasing a staple of breakfast scenes in European settings.
  • Famous food photographers often feature croissants in their work, highlighting the beauty of their golden, flaky texture.

Origin of 'croissant'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the French word meaning 'crescent,' referring to its shape.
  • Its origins date back to Austria, where a similar pastry called 'kipferl' was made long before the croissant became popular in France.

The word 'croissant' comes from the French language, which translates directly to 'crescent.' Its origins can be traced back to the Austrian kipferl, a baked good that dates back to at least the 13th century. The kipferl was brought to France in the 18th century, and it is said that bakers in Vienna started to shape the pastry into a crescent form as a representation of a traditional victory over the Ottoman Empire. This shaped pastry caught the attention of French bakers, who began to refine its recipe, incorporating techniques of making puff pastry. The first documented recipe for the croissant was published in 1891 by Sylvain Claudius Goy. Today's croissant is often associated with French culture and is a symbol of the French culinary tradition, becoming widely popular around the world as a breakfast delight.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,963 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.