Glutinousness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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glutinousness
[ษกluหหtษชnษsnษs ]
Definition
texture quality
Glutinousness refers to the sticky, gelatinous quality of certain substances, often associated with foods like rice or starches. It describes a texture that adheres to itself or other surfaces, making it notably chewy or thick. This quality is important in various culinary contexts, particularly in Asian cuisine, where glutinous rice is prized for its unique properties.
Synonyms
adhesiveness, stickiness, viscosity.
Examples of usage
- The glutinousness of the rice made it perfect for sushi.
- I love the glutinousness of the dessert that clings to the spoon.
- The glutinousness of the dough helped it hold its shape when baking.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Culinary Uses
- Many Asian rice varieties, such as sticky rice, are known for their high glutinousness, making them perfect for sushi.
- Certain sauces, like teriyaki or honey, can also have glutinousness due to their thick and sticky texture.
Agriculture
- Glutinous plants often have higher starch content, which can lead to their sticky properties when cooked.
- Tapioca is a well-known example of a starchy root that produces a very glutinous product when processed.
Science
- In food science, glutinousness is typically related to the interaction between starch molecules when they gelatinize in water.
- Foods with high glutinousness often behave differently in cooking processes, such as thickening sauces or forming dough.
Cultural Context
- Many cultures have favorite dishes that feature glutinous food, like mochi in Japan and sticky rice dumplings in China.
- In some cultures, sticky foods are associated with celebrations and traditional festivals, symbolizing togetherness.
Health Aspects
- Glutinous foods can provide quick energy due to their higher carbohydrate content, which is why they're popular in many diets.
- However, consuming too many sticky foods can lead to digestive discomfort for some people, as they might stick to the gut.
Origin of 'glutinousness'
The term 'glutinousness' is derived from 'glutinous', which comes from the Latin word 'glutinลsus', meaning 'gluey' or 'sticky'. This is rooted in 'gluten', a term used since the late 14th century to describe the substance that causes things to stick together. The prefix 'glutin-' relates to glue-like properties and is related to the word 'glue' in English, which also shares the same Latin roots. The concept of glutinousness is particularly prominent in culinary contexts, where it describes the desirable traits of certain foods, particularly rice varieties known for their high starch content. The evolving definition reflects the importance of texture in food preparation and consumption across various cultures, especially in Asian cuisines where glutinous rice is a staple.
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #43,655, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.