Crumbliness: meaning, definitions and examples

🍪
Add to dictionary

crumbliness

 

[ ˈkrʌmblɪnəs ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

texture quality

Crumbliness refers to the characteristic of a material or substance that breaks easily into small pieces or crumbs. It is often used to describe baked goods or other food items that have a crumbly texture. The degree of crumbliness can affect the overall enjoyment and experience of consuming these items.

Synonyms

breakability, crumbly texture, fineness, fragility

Examples of usage

  • The crumbliness of the cookie made it delightful to eat.
  • A cake's crumbliness is often an indicator of its freshness.
  • The crumbliness of the pastry was perfect for the dessert.
  • She preferred her muffins with a bit of crumbliness for texture.

Etymology

The word 'crumbliness' originates from the verb 'crumble,' which dates back to the late Middle English 'cromblen' (meaning to break or fall apart) derived from the Old English 'crombel,' a form of 'crom,' meaning to break into small pieces. The suffix '-ness' is used to form nouns indicating a state or condition. The combination effectively conveys the idea of being crumbly or having the quality that easily breaks apart. As culinary practices evolved, the term began to especially refer to food textures, particularly in baking, where the quality of being crumbly is considered desirable for certain treats like biscuits, pies, and cakes.