Loaf Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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loaf
[ləʊf ]
Definitions
food
A loaf is a quantity of bread that is shaped and baked in one piece.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| loaf |
Typically used to refer to a whole, uncut bread that is larger and has a cohesive shape, often used for sandwiches or toast.
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| bread |
A general term for the staple food made from flour, water, and yeast or another leavening agent, commonly used in a variety of contexts.
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| bun |
Refers to a small, round, and often sweet bread, frequently used for hamburgers, hot dogs, or served as a treat. Can also imply a softer texture.
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| roll |
Describes a small, individually-sized piece of bread, often served as a side in meals and typically of a firmer texture than a bun.
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Examples of usage
- I bought a loaf of bread from the bakery.
- She cut a slice from the loaf to make a sandwich.
shape
A loaf refers to a mass of anything that is shaped like a block with rounded ends.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| loaf |
Used typically when referring to a shaped mass of bread or meat.
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| block |
Often used to describe a solid, hard piece of material with flat surfaces. It can also refer to a group of buildings or the distance along one side of such a group.
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| chunk |
Used to describe a large, thick piece of something. Typically refers to pieces broken off rather than pre-shaped items.
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| mass |
Generally used to describe a large quantity or aggregate of matter with no definite shape. It can also refer to a large gathering of people.
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Examples of usage
- He found a loaf of soap in the bathroom.
- A loaf of sugar was on the kitchen counter.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Culinary Practices
- Different cultures have a variety of loaves. For instance, baguettes in France, challah in Jewish communities, and sourdough around the world.
- The art of bread-making is known as 'baking,' and it involves mixing flour, water, yeast, and salt to create dough.
- Loaves can be made with various ingredients like whole grains, seeds, and herbs to add unique flavors and nutrients.
Pop Culture
- Loafs appear in various films and cartoons as symbols of home and comfort food, often being associated with family gatherings.
- The term 'loaf' is commonly used in idioms, such as 'loafing around,' which means to be lazy or not doing much.
Science of Bread
- When bread rises, it's the yeast fermenting sugars and producing carbon dioxide, causing the dough to expand.
- The Maillard reaction, a chemical reaction that gives baked goods their brownness and flavor, occurs during baking, enhancing the taste of loaves.
Historical Significance
- Loaves have been a staple food for thousands of years, dating back to ancient Mesopotamia, highlighting the importance of bread in human diets.
- In medieval times, the size and shape of a loaf could denote social status, with larger, more ornate loaves reserved for nobility.
Origin of 'loaf'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old English 'hlaef,' which means 'bread' or 'loaf.'
- In ancient times, the shape of the loaf was often round, symbolizing unity among people sharing food.
The word 'loaf' originated from the Old English word 'hlāf', which meant 'bread'. The term has been used to refer to a quantity of bread since the 14th century. Over time, it has also been used to describe a mass of anything shaped like a block with rounded ends.