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Crumbly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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crumbly

[ˈkrʌmbli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

texture

Easily broken into small fragments or reduced to powder; prone to crumbling.

Synonyms

brittle, crispy, crumbling, fragile, powdery.

Examples of usage

  • The crumbly cookie fell apart in my hands.
  • The soil was dry and crumbly, making it difficult to plant anything.
  • The old building was made of crumbly bricks that were falling apart.
  • The cheese had a crumbly texture that melted in my mouth.
  • The pastry was so crumbly that it left a mess on the plate.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Culinary Arts

  • Many baked goods, such as shortbread and certain pies, are made to be crumbly to create a delightful texture.
  • A common example of crumbly cheese is feta, which breaks apart easily and crumbles on salads.

Materials Science

  • In geology, crumbly rock types can easily break or flake apart, indicating they are weathered or soft.
  • In construction, crumbly materials can be a sign of structural weakness, illustrating the importance of sound materials in buildings.

Psychology

  • Research shows that people enjoy foods that are crumbly for their textural variety, which enhances the eating experience.
  • Sound can also play a role – the crunch of a crumbly cookie provides auditory feedback that can make food more appealing.

Literature

  • The word 'crumbly' is often used in descriptive writing to add sensory details, helping readers visualize and almost taste the food.
  • In poetry, crumbly textures may symbolize fragility or impermanence, reflecting emotions or themes in a subtle way.

Pop Culture

  • Popular cooking shows often feature recipes that require a delicate touch to maintain a crumbly texture, making it a focus in culinary competitions.
  • In animated films, foods described as crumbly are often exaggerated for comedic effect, enhancing their whimsical nature.

Origin of 'crumbly'

The word 'crumbly' originated from the Middle English word 'crombele' which means easily broken into crumbs. It has been used in the English language since the 14th century. The term 'crumbly' is often used to describe the texture of food or substances that easily break into small particles or fragments.

See also: crumb, crumbled, crumbs.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,878, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.