Jam Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
ð
jam
[dĘÃĶm ]
Definitions
spreadable
A sweet spread or preserve made from fruit and sugar boiled to a thick consistency.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| jam |
A sweet spread made from cooked fruit and sugar, usually thicker and with more chunks of fruit. Commonly used on bread or toast.
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| preserves |
A general term for fruit spreads that include whole fruit or large pieces of fruit within a gel-like base. It has a more rustic, homemade quality.
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| jelly |
A smooth and gel-like spread made from fruit juice and sugar, with no chunks of fruit. Ideal for desserts and sandwiches.
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| marmalade |
A type of preserve made from citrus fruits, especially oranges, and includes peel, giving it a slightly bitter taste. Often enjoyed with breakfast foods.
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Examples of usage
- It's delicious on toast with butter and jam.
- She made a batch of strawberry jam for the bake sale.
music
An informal gathering of musicians improvising together, often in a relaxed setting.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| jam |
Used informally to describe a spontaneous music-making session, often with a group of musicians playing together in a relaxed setting.
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| improv |
Short for 'improvisation', usually used in contexts where artists, particularly musicians or comedians, create content spontaneously rather than following a fixed plan.
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| session |
Describes a period of time dedicated to a specific activity, often professional and structured, like a recording session or practice session.
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| gig |
Refers to a live music performance, typically in front of an audience, often scheduled and professional.
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Examples of usage
- We had a great jam session last night with the band.
- The jazz club hosts a weekly jam for local musicians.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Cultural Significance
- In British culture, 'jam' is a staple for afternoon tea, often paired with clotted cream and scones.
- Jazz musicians refer to an informal performance as a 'jam session', highlighting the improvisational nature that mirrors how jam is created by mixing flavors.
Science of Making Jam
- The process of making jam involves boiling fruits with sugar, which breaks down pectin, a natural thickening agent found in fruits.
- Preserving fruit by making jam helps to retain essential nutrients, and it can last for months without refrigeration when sealed properly.
Pop Culture
- The song 'Jam' by Michael Jackson showcases how the word can symbolize bringing people together through music and dance.
- In animation and cartoons, the act of spreading jam is often humorously exaggerated, depicting characters getting messy with their food.
Historical Uses
- During World War II, fruit preserves like jam were crucial for conserving fruit harvests and providing nutrition during food shortages.
- Traditionally, ancient civilizations used honey or sugar to preserve fruits, laying the groundwork for modern jam-making techniques.
Origin of 'jam'
Main points about word origin
- 'Jam' comes from the Middle English word 'jambe' meaning to press or to squeeze, reflecting how fruit is crushed.
- The term started being used for fruit preserves in the late 18th century, making it a relatively new addition to our vocabulary.
The word 'jam' has a long history, originating from the French word 'confiture' in the 18th century. It was used to describe a fruit preserve made by boiling fruit and sugar together. Over time, the term 'jam' became more commonly used in English-speaking countries to refer to this type of spread. In the context of music, 'jam' has roots in jazz and blues culture, where musicians would gather to improvise and play together in an informal setting.