Pasta Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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pasta
[หpษหstษ ]
Definitions
food
Pasta is a type of Italian food made from flour, water, and sometimes eggs, that is cooked and served with a sauce. It comes in various shapes such as spaghetti, penne, and linguine.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| pasta |
General term for all types of Italian-style dishes made from dough, including spaghetti, macaroni, and many others.
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| noodles |
A broad term that can refer to any type of long, thin dough, often used in the context of Asian cuisine or casual dining.
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| macaroni |
Refers specifically to short, tubular pasta. Often used in the context of simple, classic dishes.
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| spaghetti |
Specific type of long, thin pasta. Usually used when discussing Italian dishes.
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Examples of usage
- I ordered a plate of pasta with tomato sauce for dinner.
- She cooked the pasta until it was al dente.
- The restaurant offers a variety of pasta dishes on their menu.
material
Pasta is also a term used to describe a paste-like substance made from a mixture of flour and water, used for various purposes such as art and crafts.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| pasta |
This word is best used when referring to a type of food made from wheat and water, typically in the form of noodles or other shapes. It is commonly cooked by boiling and served with a sauce.
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| paste |
This word is used to describe a thick, soft, moist substance that is spreadable, often used in cooking (e.g., tomato paste) or as an adhesive material in crafts and repairs.
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| dough |
This word refers to a thick, malleable mixture of flour and liquid, used in baking to make breads, pastries, and other baked goods.
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| clay |
This word is used when talking about a natural material made of fine-grained minerals, often used in pottery, sculpture, and building materials.
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Examples of usage
- The children used pasta to create colorful necklaces.
- She applied pasta to the paper to make textured artwork.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Culinary Diversity
- There are over 600 shapes of pasta, including spaghetti, penne, and fusilli, each with its own unique purposes in a dish.
- Countries around the world have their own versions of pasta, such as 'noodles' in Asia and 'gnocchi' in Italy, showcasing wide cultural adaptations.
- Pasta can be made from various grains, including wheat, rice, and even lentils, catering to a range of dietary needs.
Cultural Significance
- In Italy, pasta is a staple part of the diet and important in family meals, often gaining a greater cultural significance during Sunday dinners.
- Some traditional pasta-making techniques have been handed down through generations, making it a culinary art form.
- The famous Italy-based pasta dish, carbonara, has a debated origin, with different regions claiming to have invented the recipe, highlighting local cultural pride.
Nutritional Information
- Pasta is a good source of carbohydrates, which provide energy, making it a favorite among athletes and those with active lifestyles.
- Whole grain pasta varieties have gained popularity due to their higher fiber content, which is beneficial for digestive health.
- The way pasta is cooked can significantly impact its health benefits; al dente pasta is lower on the glycemic index compared to overcooked varieties.
Origin of 'pasta'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'pasta' comes from the Italian word for 'dough,' which relates to its basic ingredient.
- In ancient times, 'maccheroni' was used in Italy to refer to the process of mixing flour and water for pasta.
- Interestingly, the first known written reference to pasta dates back to 1154 in Sicily, where it was described as 'a food made from flour.'
The word 'pasta' has its origins in Italian, where it simply means 'paste' or 'dough'. Pasta as a food has been a staple in Italian cuisine for centuries, with various shapes and forms being developed over time. It gained popularity worldwide due to its versatility and delicious taste.
See also: antipasto, past, paste, pastime, pastor, pasture, pasty.