Floury Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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floury

[หˆflaสŠษ™ri ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

baking ingredient

Containing or resembling flour; powdery.

Synonyms

dusty, mealy, powdery.

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Word Description / Examples
floury

Used when something is covered with or resembles flour. Commonly used in cooking or baking scenarios.

  • The surface of the dough was very floury after rolling it out
  • Her hands became floury while making the cookies
powdery

Describes something that has a fine, soft, dust-like texture. It can be used in various contexts, from food to makeup.

  • The makeup had a powdery finish
  • The cocoa powder was very fine and powdery
dusty

Used to describe an object or area covered with dust. Often used in a cleanliness or maintenance context.

  • The old bookshelf was very dusty
  • The room had a dusty smell that made me sneeze
mealy

Used to describe food, particularly grains, that have a coarse, dry texture. It often has a slightly negative connotation when talking about food quality.

  • The apple was mealy and not very enjoyable to eat
  • The potatoes had a mealy texture after being overcooked

Examples of usage

  • The dough was too floury and needed more liquid.
  • Her hands were floury after kneading the dough.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Culinary Arts

  • Flour is a key ingredient in baking, used to make bread, cakes, and pastries, combining with water to create dough.
  • Different types of flour, like whole wheat, all-purpose, and almond flour, give different textures and flavors to food.
  • The process of milling wheat into flour has been around for thousands of years, enabling the development of civilizations through farming.

Science

  • Flour contains starches and proteins; when baked, these proteins can create gluten, which gives bread its chewy texture.
  • The particle size of flour affects the way it absorbs water, which influences the outcome of baked goods.
  • Wheat flour can be further classified into gluten-free varieties using alternatives like rice flour or chickpea flour for those with gluten sensitivities.

Cultural Significance

  • Baking bread has been a significant cultural staple, symbolizing nourishment and sharing across many societies throughout history.
  • In many cultures, the act of making bread is often communal, bringing people together for celebrations and festivals.
  • Flour plays a vital role in various culinary traditions, from Italian pasta to Indian chapati, showcasing the diversity of dishes around the world.

History

  • The oldest known evidence of flour production dates back to around 30,000 years ago when early humans ground grains to make a rudimentary form of bread.
  • Ancient Egyptians used a variety of grains to create flour, which was essential for their daily diet and religious rituals.
  • The invention of the windmill in medieval Europe revolutionized flour production, making it easier to grind grains and increasing accessibility.

Literature

  • Flour is often used as a metaphor in literature to symbolize transformation, such as turning raw ingredients into nourishing bread.
  • Many famous children's stories and folk tales, like 'The Little Red Hen', revolve around the theme of baking and the importance of teamwork in the kitchen.
  • The phrase 'making a floury mess' often appears in literature to depict chaos and creativity in the kitchen, emphasizing the joy of cooking.

Origin of 'floury'

The word 'floury' originated from the combination of 'flour' + '-y'. It has been used in English since the mid-18th century to describe something that contains or resembles flour, often used in the context of baking and cooking.


See also: flour, flourish.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,671, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.