Dredge Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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dredge
[drɛdʒ ]
Definitions
fishing method
To dredge means to bring up material from the bottom of a body of water using a dredge, which is a type of boat, tool, or machine specifically designed for this purpose. This technique is often employed in fishing to gather shellfish or in construction and mining to extract materials from underwater locations.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- Fishermen use a dredge to catch clams.
- They plan to dredge the river to improve navigation.
- The crew dredged the lake to remove debris.
- We need to dredge the canal for better water flow.
cooking technique
In cooking, to dredge means to lightly coat food with flour, breadcrumbs, or another dry ingredient before cooking. This technique is often used to prepare meats and vegetables for frying or baking, providing a crispy texture.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- Dredge the chicken in flour before frying.
- Make sure to dredge the fish in breadcrumbs.
- You should dredge the vegetables in cornmeal.
- He dredged the shrimp lightly and then sautéed them.
Translations
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Origin of 'dredge'
The term 'dredge' originates from the Middle English word 'dreggen', which is related to the Old Norse word 'draga', meaning 'to draw or drag'. This reflects the action of pulling material from the bottom of a body of water. Historically, dredging has been used for various purposes, including agriculture, fishing, and construction, often dating back to ancient civilizations that utilized waterways for transport and trade. The evolution of dredging techniques and equipment has significantly advanced over time, allowing for the efficient extraction of resources and the maintenance of waterways. In cooking, the use of the word 'dredge' evolved from this physical action into the culinary context, where it describes coating food, drawing a parallel with the act of covering or lining a surface. Thus, 'dredge' bridges both the practical applications in maritime industries and the culinary arts.