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Lard Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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lard

[lษ‘หd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

cooking

Lard is the white solid or semisolid rendered fat of a pig.

Synonyms

hog fat, pig fat.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
lard

Mainly used in cooking, where it refers to rendered pork fat used as a cooking ingredient to add flavor and richness to dishes.

  • The pie crust was incredibly flaky thanks to the lard used in the dough
  • Many traditional recipes call for lard as a key ingredient
hog fat

Termed more biologically and may be used in a more general sense to describe fat derived from a hog. This term is less common in everyday cooking vocabulary.

  • The butcher explained the different uses for the hog fat
  • Veterinarians sometimes discuss hog fat in studies of animal health

Examples of usage

  • The recipe calls for a tablespoon of lard.
  • Many traditional recipes use lard for frying.
Context #2 | Verb

informal

To embellish or fill out a story with unnecessary or superfluous details.

Synonyms

embellish, exaggerate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
lard

Typically refers to a type of fat used in cooking. It can be taken negatively if describing someone or something as overly fatty or greasy.

  • The recipe calls for a tablespoon of lard.
  • He criticized the dish for being too lardy.
embellish

Used when enhancing a story, object, or description by adding details, often to make it more attractive or interesting. It can also refer to adding decorations to objects.

  • She likes to embellish her stories with vivid descriptions and details.
  • The artist embellished the painting with intricate designs.
exaggerate

Used when describing something as larger, better, or worse than it really is, often to create a strong impression. It has a slight negative connotation implying overstatement or dishonesty.

  • He tends to exaggerate the difficulties he faced during the project.
  • The fisherman exaggerated the size of the fish he caught.

Examples of usage

  • He tends to lard his stories with too many irrelevant facts.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Culinary Uses

  • Lard is often used in baking to create flaky, tender pastries like pie crusts, giving them a special texture.
  • In some cultures, lard is preferred for frying because it has a high smoke point and adds a unique flavor to the food.
  • Traditional recipes for biscuits and pancakes sometimes call for lard to enhance the richness and flavor.

Historical Significance

  • During the Middle Ages, lard was a common cooking fat in Europe, valued for its accessibility and long shelf life.
  • Before the rise of vegetable oils, lard was often the primary cooking fat in many households around the world.
  • In 19th-century America, lard was so widely used that it became a staple in many regional diets, influencing local cuisine.

Nutrition

  • While it is high in saturated fats, lard also contains monounsaturated fats which can be beneficial in moderation.
  • Compared to butter, lard has less cholesterol and some studies suggest it may be less harmful for heart health.
  • Recently, lard has seen a comeback in some health-conscious cooking circles due to its natural origins and lack of processing.

Cultural Impact

  • In many cultures, dishes made with lard are considered traditional and evoke a sense of nostalgia and home cooking.
  • Lard has been featured in various documentaries and cooking shows highlighting its historical culinary significance.
  • In Mexican cuisine, lard is often used to prepare tamales and refried beans, showcasing its importance in regional flavors.

Modern Trends

  • In recent years, many chefs have started using lard again, claiming it brings richer flavors to gourmet dishes.
  • There is a growing interest in pasture-raised lard, which is believed to be healthier and more sustainable than conventional sources.
  • Lard is now being promoted in some health communities as a suitable fat in low-carb and ketogenic diets.

Origin of 'lard'

The word 'lard' originated from the Latin word 'lardum', which means 'bacon' or 'pork'. Lard has been used in cooking for centuries, especially in traditional cuisines. It was a popular cooking fat before the widespread use of vegetable oils. Lard is known for its ability to add flavor and moisture to dishes, and it was commonly used for frying, baking, and sautรฉing.

See also: larder.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,534, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.