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Escargot Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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escargot

[หŒษ›s.kษ‘หrหˆษกoสŠ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

French cuisine

Escargot refers to a dish of cooked land snails, usually served as an appetizer. They are typically prepared with garlic, butter, parsley, and sometimes wine.

Synonyms

shellfish, snails.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
escargot

Primarily used in the context of French cuisine, usually referring to a delicacy made from cooked land snails. It's more likely to be seen on a restaurant menu.

  • We dined on escargot at the French bistro last night.
  • The escargot was served with garlic butter and herbs.
snails

Used to refer to the common garden snails or land snails, which can be found in nature or gardens. It can sometimes have a negative connotation due to their association with pests.

  • The garden is full of snails after the rain.
  • Snails can be a problem for garden plants.
shellfish

Used as a general term for aquatic animals with shells, including crabs, lobsters, and oysters. While snails technically aren't shellfish, in casual speech, people sometimes group them together with other seafood.

  • I'm allergic to shellfish, so I can't have shrimp or crab.
  • The restaurant offers a variety of shellfish like clams and mussels.

Examples of usage

  • Would you like to try the escargot as an appetizer?
  • The escargot was served with a delicious garlic butter sauce.
Context #2 | Noun

Zoology

Escargot is a French word for snail. It is used to refer to land snails in general.

Synonyms

mollusk, snail.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
escargot

Used primarily in culinary contexts to refer to snails prepared as food, usually in French cuisine.

  • We ordered escargot as an appetizer at the fancy restaurant.
  • The chef prepared the escargot with garlic butter and herbs.
snail

Commonly used in everyday language to describe the small, slow-moving creatures with shells, often found in gardens and damp places.

  • I found a snail crawling on the sidewalk after the rain.
  • Snails can be a pest in the garden, eating leaves and plants.
mollusk

Often used in scientific or academic contexts to refer to a large group of invertebrates, including snails, clams, and octopuses.

  • Mollusks have soft bodies and usually live in water or damp environments.
  • Biologists study mollusks to understand their role in the ecosystem.

Examples of usage

  • The escargot is a common sight in French gardens.
  • The escargot is known for its slow movement.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Culinary Traditions

  • In French cuisine, escargot is often served as an appetizer, baked in garlic herb butter for rich flavor.
  • Escargot can be paired with various sauces, enhancing the dishโ€™s taste and providing different culinary experiences.

Cultural Significance

  • Eating snails has been a part of French culture for centuries, where they are celebrated as a delicacy.
  • Various cultures around the globe consume snails; for instance, in Italy, snails are often prepared with tomato sauce.

Biological Facts

  • Land snails possess a unique digestive system that allows them to process plant material effectively.
  • Different species of land snails vary in flavor, with some being preferred for their tenderness and taste.

Nutrition

  • Escargot is low in calories and high in protein, making it a surprisingly healthy choice when prepared properly.
  • The dish is also rich in essential nutrients like vitamin B12 and iron due to the nutritional content of snails.

Economic Aspects

  • The escargot farming industry has grown, particularly in France, contributing to sustainable agriculture and local cuisine.
  • Luxury restaurants often feature escargot on their menus, considered a specialty that attracts food enthusiasts.

Origin of 'escargot'

The word 'escargot' comes from the French language, where it literally means 'snail'. Snails have been consumed as food for thousands of years, with evidence of their consumption dating back to ancient times. In French cuisine, escargot is considered a delicacy and is often prepared with garlic butter. The tradition of eating snails is believed to have originated from the Roman Empire, where snails were considered a gourmet food.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,994, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.