Kneading: meaning, definitions and examples

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kneading

 

[หˆniหdษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

cooking

Manipulating dough with hands to improve its texture and help it rise during baking.

Synonyms

massaging, pounding, working.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
kneading

Can also refer to a cat pressing its paws against a surface in a rhythmic motion.

  • The cat was kneading my lap, making it quite comfortable before settling down.
working

Can be used more broadly to describe the act of putting effort or labor into a task.

  • He was working on his car in the garage all afternoon.
  • She spent hours working on her project for school.
massaging

Commonly used in the context of applying pressure and rubbing muscles to relieve tension and pain.

  • He was massaging her shoulders to help relax the tight muscles.
  • The massage therapist spent an hour massaging her back and neck.
pounding

Often used when referring to hitting or striking something with force repeatedly, usually with a somewhat negative connotation.

  • The chef was pounding the meat to tenderize it before cooking.
  • The loud music made my head feel like it was pounding.

Examples of usage

  • Kneading the dough for at least 10 minutes will result in a perfect loaf of bread.
  • She kneaded the dough until it became smooth and elastic.
Context #2 | Noun

massage

The process of pressing and squeezing a person's muscles and skin with hands to relieve tension and promote relaxation.

Synonyms

manipulation, massage, rubbing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
kneading

Typically used when talking about working dough with your hands to mix ingredients and develop gluten for baking.

  • She spent 15 minutes kneading the dough until it was smooth.
  • Kneading the dough is essential for making good bread.
massage

Used in context of therapeutically rubbing and pressing someone's body to relieve pain, tension, or to promote relaxation.

  • She booked a massage to help with her back pain.
  • Massage therapy can reduce stress and improve circulation.
rubbing

Generally refers to moving something back and forth against a surface with pressure, often to achieve cleaning, soothing, or polishing effects.

  • He was rubbing his temples to ease the headache.
  • Rubbing the cloth on the silverware made it shine.
manipulation

Often used to describe skillful handling or control of something, sometimes with a negative implication of deceit or trickery.

  • The therapist used gentle manipulation to align his spine.
  • The politician's manipulation of facts got him into trouble.

Examples of usage

  • She enjoyed a relaxing kneading session at the spa.
  • The masseuse used kneading techniques to release the knots in my back.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'knead' comes from the Old English 'cnedan,' meaning to 'press' or 'to work.'
  • In ancient times, kneading was not only associated with food but also with crafting materials like clay.
  • Different cultures have variations of kneading techniques, reflecting local culinary traditions.

Science

  • Kneading activates gluten in wheat flour, which gives bread its chewy texture.
  • The process helps distribute yeast, salt, and other ingredients evenly throughout the dough.
  • Kneading can be done by hand or with a machine, affecting the doughโ€™s characteristics differently.

Culinary Art

  • Bakery recipes often highlight the importance of kneading to achieve the desired bread texture.
  • Many artisan bread makers consider kneading an art form, developing their unique techniques.
  • Various types of bread require different kneading times and techniques, influencing flavor and structure.

Cultural Significance

  • Kneading bread is a communal activity in many cultures, bringing families and communities together.
  • In some traditions, the act of kneading dough is seen as a meditative practice, focusing the mind and hands.
  • Festivals around bread often include demonstrations of traditional kneading methods.

Health and Nutrition

  • Hand-kneading can be a physical workout, engaging muscles in the arms, hands, and core.
  • Homemade bread, made through careful kneading, can be healthier than store-bought options.
  • Kneaded dough tends to rise better, which can lead to a more nutritious and enjoyable final product.

Translations

Translations of the word "kneading" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น amassar

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค—เฅ‚เค‚เคงเคจเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช kneten

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ menguleni

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะทะฐะผั–ัˆัƒะฒะฐะฝะฝั

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ ugniatanie

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ“ใญใ‚‹ (koneru)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท pรฉtrir

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ amasar

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท yoฤŸurma

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ฐ˜์ฃฝํ•˜๊ธฐ (banjukhagi)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุนุฌู† (ajun)

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ hnฤ›tenรญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ miesenie

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆ‰้ข (rรณu miร n)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ gnjeฤenje

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ hnoรฐa

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะธั–ะฝั‚ะตั‚ัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ–แƒ”แƒšแƒ•แƒ (zelva)

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ yoฤŸurma

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ amasar

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,121, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.