Paste: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Latin 'pasta', meaning 'dough' or 'paste', reflecting its thick texture.
• Historically, it was used to describe a mixture made from ground grains and water before cooking.
• The term has evolved in various languages, including French 'pâte', which also refers to dough or paste.

Culinary Uses

• In cooking, paste refers to mixtures like tomato paste or curry paste, enhancing the flavor of dishes.
• Dough for pastries is often considered a form of paste due to its thick consistency before baking.
• Certain sauces, such as pesto, begin as a paste before adding additional ingredients like oil and cheese.

Art and Craft

• Artists use paste in techniques like papier-mâché, where paper is shaped and bonded using a paste mixture.
• In ceramics, paste refers to a mixture used for joining pieces together or for creating textured surfaces.
• Crafting often involves paste in forms like glue or adhesive, essential for assembling projects.

Technology

• In computing, 'paste' refers to the action of inserting copied text or images into a document or application.
• Clipboard technology allows users to easily copy and paste information between different applications.
• The command for pasting often uses keyboard shortcuts like Ctrl+V or Command+V, showcasing its ubiquitous role in digital tasks.

Historical Significance

• Pastes have been used since ancient times, with evidence of early forms of it found in archaeological sites.
• In the early days of printing, paste was used to bond paper and surfaces in bookbinding and poster creation.
• Traditional forms of paste were made from natural materials, like flour and water, before the advent of synthetic adhesives.

At #7,389 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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