Garlic Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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garlic

[หˆษกษ‘หrlษชk ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

ingredient in cooking

A strong-smelling pungent-tasting bulb, used as a flavoring in cooking and in herbal medicine. Garlic is native to Central Asia and northeastern Iran and has been a staple seasoning worldwide for thousands of years.

Synonyms

ail, allium, stinking rose.

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Word Description / Examples
garlic

Commonly used in everyday conversation, recipes, and general discussions about food.

  • I love adding garlic to my pasta sauce.
  • Garlic has many health benefits.
allium

Typically used in scientific or botanical contexts when discussing the garlic family or classification of plants.

  • Allium sativum is the scientific name for garlic.
  • The garden had many varieties of allium.
stinking rose

Informal and somewhat humorous, often used in a playful or whimsical manner.

  • The chef loves to cook with the stinking rose.
  • She added a touch of the stinking rose to the recipe.
ail

Less common and more likely to be encountered in literary or historical contexts.

  • In medieval times, ail was believed to ward off evil spirits.
  • He seasoned the soup with ail and salt.

Examples of usage

  • Add minced garlic to the sauce for extra flavor.
  • Garlic is often used in Italian cuisine.
  • She believes in the health benefits of eating garlic daily.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Culinary Uses

  • Garlic is a staple in various cuisines like Italian, Chinese, and Indian, enhancing flavors in countless dishes.
  • It's often used in a paste or minced form, and can be roasted to create a sweet, mellow flavor.

Health Benefits

  • This plant is known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, making it beneficial for health.
  • Garlic is rich in antioxidants, which can help your body fight free radicals and lower the risk of diseases.

Folklore

  • Throughout history, garlic has been considered a protector against vampires and evil spirits in various cultures.
  • In ancient Egypt, laborers were given garlic to boost stamina and strength while working on the pyramids.

Pop Culture

  • Garlic has made its way into pop culture as a symbol of culinary excellence and is often seen as the hallmark of 'good cooking.'
  • In movies and literature, characters often use garlic to ward off supernatural creatures, making it a humorous trope.

Origin of 'garlic'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Old English 'garleac,' which means 'spear leek,' referring to its long green shoots.
  • In Latin, it was called 'Allium sativum,' where 'Allium' means garlic, and 'sativum' means cultivated.

Garlic, scientifically known as Allium sativum, is a species in the onion genus, Allium. It is native to Central Asia and northeastern Iran and has been used for culinary and medicinal purposes for thousands of years. The ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, and Chinese all used garlic for various purposes. In ancient times, garlic was believed to have magical properties and was used to ward off evil spirits. Today, garlic is a popular ingredient in many cuisines around the world and is also known for its health benefits.


Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,059 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.