Frosting: meaning, definitions and examples

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frosting

[ˈfrɔːstɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

cake decoration

Frosting refers to a sweet and creamy mixture used to cover or decorate cakes and pastries. It is typically made from ingredients like powdered sugar, butter, and flavorings. Frosting can come in different colors and consistencies, adding both visual appeal and flavor to baked goods.

Synonyms

glaze, icing, topping.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
frosting	Frosting is used as a thick, fluffy layer covering cakes and cupcakes. It is often creamy and can be flavored or colored. The birthday cake was covered in a rich chocolate frosting She used vanilla frosting to decorate the cupcakes
icing	Icing is similar to frosting but usually thinner and smoother. It is used to coat cakes, cookies, and other baked goods and often hardens when it dries. Decorating the cookies with royal icing was a fun activity She spread a thin layer of icing over the cake
glaze	Glaze is a thin, smooth, and shiny coating applied to pastries, donuts, and cakes. It is often made of sugar, water, and sometimes milk or fruit juice. The donuts were topped with a sweet maple glaze She added a lemon glaze to her pound cake for an extra touch of flavor
topping	Topping can refer to any item placed on top of food for added texture and flavor, not limited to sweets. It includes things like whipped cream, fruits, nuts, and sprinkles. He added fresh berries as a topping to his yogurt The ice cream sundae was garnished with various toppings, including nuts and chocolate chips

Examples of usage

The baker spread a thick layer of frosting on the birthday cake.
She piped delicate swirls of frosting onto the cupcakes.
The frosting on the cupcakes was so delicious that everyone wanted seconds.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

weather

In meteorology, frosting refers to the formation of ice crystals on a surface when the temperature drops below freezing. Frosting can occur on windows, plants, or the ground, creating a beautiful but chilly winter landscape.

Synonyms

hoarfrost, ice crystals, rime.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
frosting	Often used in cooking and baking, this word refers to a sweet, creamy topping for cakes and pastries. She spread vanilla frosting over the cupcakes. The chocolate frosting melted in the sun.
ice crystals	This term is often used in meteorology to describe the small, crystalline forms of ice that can be found in clouds or as a part of snowflakes. The air was filled with twinkling ice crystals. Ice crystals formed intricate patterns on the window.
hoarfrost	Used to describe a specific type of frost that appears as white, feathery crystals on surfaces, particularly outdoors, when the temperature and humidity conditions are just right. Hoarfrost decorated the trees and bushes like fairy-tale snow. The early morning hoarfrost was a stunning sight.
rime	Used to describe frost that forms when supercooled water droplets freeze on contact with objects, creating a white, granular covering. It usually occurs in foggy and cold conditions. The fence was coated in rime after the fog froze. Rime covered the trees, making the landscape look surreal.

Examples of usage

The overnight frost left a delicate frosting on the tree branches.
The car windshield was covered in a thin layer of frost.
The garden was sparkling with frost after a cold night.

Interesting Facts

Culinary History

Frosting dates back to the 17th century when sugar became more widely available in Europe.
The first written recipe for frosting appeared in a cookbook published in 1784.
Buttercream was one of the earliest frostings, created to hold its shape and decorate cakes beautifully.

Cultural Significance

In the United States, frosting is often associated with birthday celebrations and special occasions.
Many cultures have their unique frosting styles, like the sweet cream cheese frosting popular in American carrot cakes.
Frosting competitions have become a trend in baking shows, showcasing creative and elaborate designs.

Ingredients and Variations

Frosting can be made from various ingredients like butter, sugar, cream cheese, or chocolate.
There are countless types, from whipped cream frosting to ganache, each offering a different taste and texture.
Vegan frosting options use plant-based ingredients like coconut cream or avocado to create creamy textures without dairy.

Art and Technique

Frosting can be piped into beautiful designs, turning cakes into stunning edible art.
Professional cake decorators often use fondant, a type of frosting that can be molded and shaped for intricate designs.
The practice of frosting cakes can be seen as a form of creative expression, blending baking and artistry.

Translations

Translations of the word "frosting" in other languages:

🇵🇹 glacê

🇮🇳 फ्रॉस्टिंग

🇩🇪 Zuckerguss

🇮🇩 lapisan gula

🇺🇦 глазур

🇵🇱 lukier

🇯🇵 フロスティング

🇫🇷 glaçage

🇪🇸 glaseado

🇹🇷 buzlanma

🇰🇷 프로스팅

🇸🇦 تجميد

🇨🇿 poleva

🇸🇰 poleva

🇨🇳 糖霜

🇸🇮 glazura

🇮🇸 glassúr

🇰🇿 глазурь

🇬🇪 შაქრის ბურღვა

🇦🇿 şir

🇲🇽 glaseado

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,922, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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24919 anarchism
24920 convivial
24921 alopecia
24922 frosting
24923 blah
24924 rootstock
24925 divan
...