Foodstuff Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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foodstuff

[หˆfuหdหŒstสŒf ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

general term

Foodstuff refers to any substance that can be consumed by living organisms to provide nutritional support. It encompasses a wide range of items, including fruits, vegetables, grains, meats, and dairy products. Foodstuffs can be raw or processed and are essential for growth, metabolism, and overall health. Different cultures may have unique foodstuffs based on local agriculture and culinary traditions.

Synonyms

comestible, edible, ingredient, nourishment, provision.

Examples of usage

  • She purchased various foodstuffs for the week.
  • The restaurant focuses on organic foodstuffs.
  • He learned about the nutritional values of different foodstuffs.
  • Foodstuffs from around the world are available at the market.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Culinary Arts

  • Foodstuffs are categorized into different groups: fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins, and dairy.
  • The preparation of foodstuffs varies globally, with each culture having unique techniques and recipes to enhance flavors.

Nutrition

  • Foodstuffs provide essential nutrients that our bodies need to function, including vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.
  • A balanced diet is important, and is achieved by including a variety of foodstuffs from different categories.

Economics

  • Foodstuffs play a significant role in global trade, influencing economies and livelihoods around the world.
  • The price and availability of foodstuffs can vary greatly depending on seasons, climate, and agricultural practices.

Cultural Significance

  • Certain foodstuffs are culturally significant, symbolizing traditions, rituals, and celebrations in various societies.
  • Foodstuff choices can reflect cultural identity, lifestyle, and personal values, as seen in vegetarian or local food movements.

Origin of 'foodstuff'

Main points about word origin

  • 'Foodstuff' combines 'food' (from Old English 'foda') meaning nourishment, and 'stuff' (from Old French 'estoffe') meaning material.
  • The term 'foodstuff' became popular in English during the 19th century as foods became more industrialized.

The term 'foodstuff' originated from the combination of two English words: 'food' and 'stuff'. The word 'food' comes from Old English 'fลd', which means 'nourishment' or 'that which is eaten'. The word 'stuff' comes from the Old French 'estoffe', meaning 'to stuff' or 'to fill', which has roots in the Latin 'stuppa', referring to tow or fibrous material. 'Foodstuff' began to appear in English literature around the early 19th century, reflecting the growing market and industrialization of food production. As societies evolved, so did the categorization of foods into various types of foodstuffs based on their preparation methods and nutritional values. Today, 'foodstuff' is commonly used to describe any edibles, particularly in discussions surrounding nutrition, agriculture, and culinary practices.