Glaze Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฉ
glaze
[ษกleษชz ]
Definitions
baking
A thin, smooth, shiny coating or film, especially one that has been painted or applied to something as a decorative feature.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| glaze |
Use 'glaze' when referring to a glossy or shiny surface applied to ceramics, pastries, or paintings.
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| coating |
Use 'coating' to describe a layer of substance covering something, often for protection or decoration.
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| varnish |
Use 'varnish' when referring to a protective and often glossy coating applied to wood and other materials.
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| finish |
Use 'finish' to describe the final surface appearance of a product, especially in furniture, woodwork, or painting.
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Examples of usage
- The cake was covered in a sweet glaze.
- She added a glaze to the cookies for a glossy finish.
pottery
Cover with a glaze; apply a glaze to.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| glaze |
Used primarily in ceramics and baking to describe a glossy, smooth surface often achieved by applying a liquid that hardens upon drying or baking.
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| coat |
Commonly used to describe covering an object or surface with a layer of a particular substance. This term is versatile and can be used in various contexts, such as painting, cooking, or manufacturing.
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| paint |
Used to describe the application of a pigmented liquid to a surface to add color or decoration. This term is particularly used in art, home improvement, and automotive contexts.
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| finish |
Typically used to describe the final layer or surface treatment applied to an object to give it the desired appearance and protection. This term is often used in woodworking, construction, and manufacturing.
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Examples of usage
- She glazed the pottery to give it a shiny finish.
- The artist carefully glazed each ceramic piece.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Art and Ceramics
- In pottery, a good glaze not only provides color but can also enhance the durability of the piece.
- Different glazes can create unique textures and effects; for example, a crackle glaze intentionally creates fine cracks for artistic appeal.
- The famous blue-and-white porcelain from China is known for its brilliant glaze that highlights intricate designs.
Culinary Uses
- In cooking, to glaze food means to coat it in a smooth, shiny substance, often a sauce or syrup, to enhance flavor and appearance.
- Certain baked goods like doughnuts are often glazed with sugar mixtures to give them that enticing shiny look.
- Glazing vegetables, like carrots or peas, can add flavor and a glossy finish, making them more appealing on the plate.
Chemistry
- Glazes used in ceramics often contain silica which melts during firing, binding materials together to form a solid surface.
- The process of glazing pottery involves chemical reactions that can create various colors and finishes depending on the ingredients used.
- High temperatures during firing can lead to unique reactions in glazes that change their appearance dramatically.
Pop Culture
- The phrase 'to glaze over' is often used in conversations to describe when someone loses interest or becomes distracted.
- In fashion, glossy glazes are often used in accessories, making items pop during photo shoots and runway shows.
- Glazed donuts have become an iconic symbol of American bakeries, celebrated in food culture and media.
Origin of 'glaze'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old English 'glรฆs,' meaning glass, which reflects its shiny quality.
- It originally referred to shiny glass surfaces before it expanded to include coatings for food and ceramics.
- The term has been used in Middle English to describe a smooth finish or appearance.
The word 'glaze' originated in the Middle English period, derived from the Old French 'glas', meaning 'glass'. It first appeared in the 13th century with the meaning 'glassy substance used for coating'. Over time, the term evolved to include the coating used in pottery and baking, referring to a smooth, shiny finish.