Mealy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
🥞
mealy
[ˈmiːli ]
Definitions
food
A meal made of flour or meal mixed with water and other ingredients, such as eggs, sugar, and fat, and baked or fried.
Synonyms
crepe, flapjack, pancake, waffle.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| mealy |
Used to describe a texture that feels dry and crumbly, often for food that's past its prime or improperly cooked. It has a slightly negative connotation when describing food.
|
| pancake |
A flat, round cake made from batter and typically cooked on a griddle or frying pan. Commonly eaten for breakfast in many cultures.
|
| crepe |
Refers to a very thin, delicate pancake, commonly associated with French cuisine. Ideal for sweet or savory fillings.
|
| waffle |
A batter-based breakfast item cooked in a gridded iron, giving it a characteristic grid pattern and crispy texture. Often served with syrup, butter, or fruit.
|
| flapjack |
In American English, refers to a thick pancake often served for breakfast. In British English, it refers to a type of oat bar made with syrup.
|
Examples of usage
- She made a delicious mealy for breakfast.
- The mealy was served with maple syrup and fresh fruits.
texture
Having a dry and grainy texture, resembling meal.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| mealy |
Used to describe food, especially fruits, vegetables, or grains, that have a soft, dry, and crumbly texture. This term usually has a negative connotation when referring to the quality of the food.
|
| grainy |
Used to describe something that has a granulated or small, gritty texture. This can apply to food, images, or materials. The term does not necessarily carry a negative meaning but can imply poor quality when used for images.
|
| sandy |
Used to describe something that has the texture or consistency of sand, which is loose and gritty. This term can apply to soil, food, or materials and often has a neutral or slightly negative connotation.
|
| coarse |
Used to describe textures that are rough or harsh to the touch. This can apply to materials, manners, or appearance, and often carries a negative connotation.
|
Examples of usage
- The mealy texture of the cookie was not very appealing.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Culinary Uses
- The term often describes potatoes that have been cooked too long, leading them to be less appealing for some dishes.
- Certain types of fruits, like ripe bananas, can also have a mealy texture when they are overripe.
- Some fish can turn mealy when they are not fresh, affecting their taste and feel.
Botanical Context
- In gardening, the term can refer to fruits that are no longer firm and have lost their fresh, juicy quality.
- Various plant diseases can lead to mealy textures in fruits and vegetables, indicating spoilage.
Cultural References
- In some cultural cuisines, a mealy texture in food is considered undesirable, as it may affect the overall enjoyment of a meal.
- Conversely, in certain dishes, a mealy texture can be purposely sought after, such as in specific traditional recipes.
Psychological Perception
- People often associate mealy textures with food that is old or spoiled, which can lead to decreased appetite.
- Textures in food can significantly influence taste perception and enjoyment, with mealy textures often considered less enjoyable.
Origin of 'mealy'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old English 'meal', referring to a fine powder or grain, which relates to the powdery texture.
- In the 16th century, the term expanded to describe a dry and crumbly texture, especially in relation to foods.
The word 'mealy' originated from the Old English word 'melu' meaning 'meal, fine ground grain'. It has been used in English since the 14th century to describe food with a floury texture. Over time, it has also been used to describe textures that are dry and grainy, resembling meal.