Jam: meaning, definitions and examples
๐
jam
[dสรฆm ]
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.
|
| 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.
|
| jelly |
A smooth and gel-like spread made from fruit juice and sugar, with no chunks of fruit. Ideal for desserts and sandwiches.
|
| 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.
|
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.
|
| 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.
|
Examples of usage
- We had a great jam session last night with the band.
- The jazz club hosts a weekly jam for local musicians.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- '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.
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.
Translations
Translations of the word "jam" in other languages:
๐ต๐น geleia
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเฅเคฎ
๐ฉ๐ช Marmelade
๐ฎ๐ฉ selai
๐บ๐ฆ ะฒะฐัะตะฝะฝั
๐ต๐ฑ dลผem
๐ฏ๐ต ใธใฃใ
๐ซ๐ท confiture
๐ช๐ธ mermelada
๐น๐ท reรงel
๐ฐ๐ท ์ผ
๐ธ๐ฆ ู ุฑุจู
๐จ๐ฟ dลพem
๐ธ๐ฐ dลพem
๐จ๐ณ ๆ้ ฑ
๐ธ๐ฎ marmelada
๐ฎ๐ธ sulta
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะดะถะตะผ
๐ฌ๐ช แฏแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ mรผrษbbษ
๐ฒ๐ฝ mermelada