Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Mince Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿฅฉ
Add to dictionary

mince

[mษชns ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

food

Finely chopped meat, especially beef, used as a filling in dishes such as pies, burgers, or meatballs.

Synonyms

chopped meat, ground meat, minced meat.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
mince

Often used in British English to describe meat that has been finely chopped in a meat grinder. It can also relate to the act of cutting food into very small pieces.

  • He always adds minced garlic to his pasta sauce.
  • For the pie, you need to mince the beef and mix it with the vegetables.
ground meat

Commonly used in American English to describe meat that has been finely chopped using a grinder, typically for a more uniform texture.

  • Ground meat is often used to make burgers and meatballs.
  • You can substitute ground chicken for ground beef in this recipe.
chopped meat

Generally refers to meat that has been cut into small, uneven pieces. This term is often used in recipes that do not require the meat to be finely ground.

  • Add the chopped meat to the skillet and cook until browned.
  • This stew recipe calls for chopped meat, not ground.
minced meat

Often interchangeable with 'mince' in British English, referring to finely chopped or ground meat, usually processed through a meat grinder.

  • Sheep farmers often sell minced meat at the local market.
  • Many recipes call for minced meat as the primary protein.

Examples of usage

  • She made delicious meat pies with mince for dinner.
  • The recipe calls for a pound of mince beef.
  • We ordered a mince burger at the restaurant.
Context #2 | Verb

cooking

To chop or grind food, especially meat, into very small pieces.

Synonyms

chop, dice, grind.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
mince

Use 'mince' when referring to cutting food, especially meat, into very small pieces, typically using a mincing machine or a knife.

  • For the shepherd's pie, you'll need to mince the beef finely
  • We're going to mince some garlic for the pasta sauce
chop

Use 'chop' when referring to cutting food into larger, uneven pieces using a knife or a cleaver. This is often used for vegetables or meat.

  • Chop the carrots and onions before adding them to the stew
  • He likes to chop wood for the fireplace
grind

Use 'grind' when referring to breaking down food, especially spices, coffee, or meat, into tiny particles using a grinder.

  • Grind the black peppercorns to release their flavor
  • We need to grind some coffee beans for a fresh brew
dice

Use 'dice' when referring to cutting food into small, even, square pieces. This is often done for uniform cooking or presentation.

  • Dice the tomatoes and cucumbers for the salad
  • The recipe requires you to dice the potatoes into small cubes

Examples of usage

  • She minced the garlic for the pasta sauce.
  • Make sure to mince the onions finely for the curry.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Culinary Arts

  • Mincing is a common technique in cooking, often used for garlic, onions, and herbs to release more flavor.
  • Some classic dishes that use minced ingredients include meatballs, stir-fries, and sauces like pesto.
  • The technique allows for even cooking and blending of flavors in many recipes, making meals more delicious.

Literature

  • The phrase 'to mince words' suggests speaking delicately or avoiding bluntness and can be found in many literary works.
  • In Shakespeare's plays, characters often mince their words to exhibit politeness or manipulate dialogue.
  • The use of mincing speech can indicate a characterโ€™s social status or emotional state in written stories.

Cultural Practices

  • In various cultures, the technique of mincing is integral to traditional dishes, such as in Asian dumplings or Mediterranean kibbeh.
  • Cooking shows often emphasize the importance of mincing for efficient and flavorful cooking.
  • Culinary schools teach mincing as a foundational knife skill, essential for aspiring chefs.

Health and Nutrition

  • Mincing vegetables can encourage people, especially children, to eat more by creating appealing textures in dishes.
  • Chopping food into smaller pieces can aid in digestion, as it makes it easier for the body to break down.
  • Health-conscious people often employ mincing to blend various nutritional ingredients into one meal.

Origin of 'mince'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'minutiae,' meaning small or tiny, reflecting the action of cutting into small pieces.
  • It first appeared in English around the 14th century, used to describe finely chopped meat.
  • The word has evolved to also refer to speaking in a careful way, particularly in avoiding harsh words.

The word 'mince' originated from the Middle English word 'mincen' which means 'to chop finely.' It has been used in the culinary world for centuries to describe the process of cutting food into small pieces, especially meat. Mincing has been a common cooking technique in various cuisines around the world, adding flavor and texture to dishes.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,927, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.