Froth Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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froth

[frɒθ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

foam

A mass of small bubbles formed on or in liquid, typically by agitation or fermentation.

Synonyms

bubbles, foam, frothiness.

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Word Description / Examples
froth

Commonly used to describe a mass of small bubbles on the surface of a liquid, often when it's agitated or fermented. It can also be used metaphorically to describe something superficial or trivial.

  • The froth on top of the cappuccino looked perfect.
  • He dismissed the rumor as mere froth.
foam

Refers to a mass of small bubbles formed on or in a liquid. It's often used in contexts related to cleaning products, construction materials, or food and beverages.

  • Shaving foam makes the skin smoother for a clean shave.
  • The waves crashed against the shore, creating white foam.
frothiness

Describes the quality or state of being frothy. Usually used in contexts where the appearance or texture of froth is discussed.

  • The frothiness of the milk in the latte was just right.
bubbles

Used to refer to small, usually round pockets of gas trapped in a liquid. Can be used in a literal sense to describe physical bubbles or in a figurative sense to describe a temporary, happy situation.

  • The children were fascinated by the bubbles in the water.
  • Living in a bubble of happiness won't last forever.

Examples of usage

  • The beer had a thick froth on top.
  • She scooped the froth off the boiling soup.
  • The froth of the ocean waves glistened in the sunlight.
Context #2 | Verb

agitation

To form or contain a mass of small bubbles.

Synonyms

bubble, fizz, foam.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
froth

Often used in the context of liquids that create light and airy bubbles, like coffee or beer.

  • The barista added milk froth to the top of my cappuccino.
  • The froth on the beer was thick and creamy.
bubble

Typically used to describe small pockets of air rising in water or other liquids, as well as metaphorically to indicate a temporary or fragile situation.

  • Kids love to blow soap bubbles near the fountain.
  • The excitement around the new startup is just a bubble waiting to burst.
foam

Usually used to describe a substance with bubbles that appear and collect on the surface, like soap lather or sea foam. Can also be used for lightweight materials in packaging and insulation.

  • The waves crashed against the shore, leaving sea foam behind.
  • They used foam to protect the fragile items during shipping.
fizz

Primarily used to describe the hissing sound and bubbles in carbonated drinks or other effervescent substances.

  • You can hear the fizz when you open a bottle of soda.
  • The champagne had a delightful fizz as we poured it into glasses.

Examples of usage

  • The milk frothed as she steamed it.
  • The river frothed as it cascaded over the rocks.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Culinary Uses

  • Froth is commonly seen in cappuccinos, where steamed milk creates a creamy, bubbly topping.
  • In cooking, frothing can also apply to mixing ingredients vigorously to create air-filled, light textures in foods like meringues.

Science

  • Froth is created when gas bubbles are trapped in a liquid, making it less dense than the liquid itself.
  • The science behind froth involves surface tension, which helps bubbles maintain their shape and structure.

Pop Culture

  • The term frequently appears in movies and novels to describe excitement or chaos, as in 'the froth of battle'.
  • Frothy drinks, like milkshakes and certain cocktails, have become trendy in social media, featuring colorful and bubbly presentations.

Literature

  • In poetry, froth can symbolize fleeting beauty or the transient nature of life, akin to bubbles bursting in the air.
  • Famous works have used froth as a metaphor for superficiality, contrasting it with deeper themes and meanings.

Origin of 'froth'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'froth', meaning 'froth, foam'.
  • It has roots in Middle Dutch 'vrot', which also means foam or froth, showing how language evolves across cultures.

The word 'froth' originated in Middle English from Old Norse 'frauth,' related to Old English 'freosan' meaning 'to freeze.' The sense of 'foam' or 'bubbles' dates back to the 14th century. Over time, the word has evolved to represent a mass of bubbles formed on liquids due to agitation or fermentation.


See also: frothiness, frothy.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,399, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.