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Curdled Meaning: Definition and Examples

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curdled

[ˈkɜrdΙ™ld ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

food texture

Curdled refers to the process where a liquid, especially milk, has thickened or turned into lumps due to the formation of curds. This can occur naturally or as a result of the addition of an acid, causing the proteins to coagulate. Curdled milk is often seen as spoiled or undesirable, but it can also be a desired outcome in some dishes.

Synonyms

clotted, coagulated, lumpy, thickened.

Examples of usage

  • The milk curdled when lemon juice was added.
  • She was disappointed to find her cream had curdled.
  • Curdled milk can be used to make cheese.
  • He noticed the soup had curdled during cooking.
Context #2 | Verb

process of milk

To curdle means to cause a liquid, typically milk, to form curds or lumps by means of an acid or heat. This process is significant in cheese-making and cooking where a specific texture or taste is required.

Synonyms

clot, coagulate, set, thicken.

Examples of usage

  • The chef decided to curdle the cream for the recipe.
  • If you heat the milk too much, it will curdle.
  • Acidic ingredients can curdle the dairy in sauces.
  • She watched as the milk began to curdle slowly.

Interesting Facts

Culinary

  • Curdled milk is used to make cheese, with different types causing various textures and flavors.
  • In cooking, curdling is the intended effect in recipes for dishes like scrambled eggs or custards, where heat combines with acids or enzymes.

Science

  • The process is called coagulation, where proteins in the milk bond together, usually caused by heat or acid.
  • Curdled substances often become a part of biochemical reactions in food science, showcasing how ingredients interact.

Health

  • In some cases, curdled milk can be safe to consume, provided it doesn’t have an off odor or taste.
  • While curdling indicates spoilage most times, some fermented products intentionally use similar processes for their unique benefits.

Cultural References

  • In some cultures, curdling milk is integral to making traditional beverages, such as buttermilk or lassi.
  • The term 'curdled' often appears in idiomatic expressions in literature, symbolizing emotional turmoil or disruption in stories.

Literature

  • The description of curdled imagery is used by authors to evoke feelings of disgust or change, representing a shift in the narrative.
  • In poetry, curdled emotions might symbolize feelings of anxiety or upset; just like milk's transformation, emotions can also change unexpectedly.

Origin of 'curdled'

The word 'curdled' is derived from the Old English term 'cyrd,' which pertains to curds, the solid part of curdled milk. The verb 'to curdle' has its roots in the Middle English period, where it related to the process of turning liquid into solid forms, particularly in the context of dairy. The transition from the Old English 'cyrd' to modern usage reflects the advancements in cooking techniques and the widespread understanding of dairy processing. Historically, curdling has been crucial in various cultures for food preservation and transformation, leading to the development of cheese-making practices. In contemporary language, 'curdled' is frequently associated with the undesirable texture of spoiled milk, although it also plays a significant role in culinary arts and baking.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,081 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.