Pulp Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pulp

[pสŒlp ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in cooking

Pulp refers to the soft, moist, and usually fibrous material that remains after the juice has been extracted from fruits or vegetables. It is often used in cooking to add flavor, texture, and nutrients to dishes.

Synonyms

mash, paste, puree.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pulp

Used to describe the soft, wet, and often fibrous part of fruits or vegetables, sometimes also used in the context of paper making. Can have a slight raw connotation.

  • Separate the fruit pulp from the juice before making jelly.
  • Wood pulp is essential in the production of paper.
mash

Typically used when solid ingredients are crushed into a soft, lumpy texture, often used in cooking processes.

  • Make sure to mash the potatoes until they are smooth.
  • She mashed the bananas for the banana bread.
paste

Used to describe a smooth, thick substance made by grinding solids with liquids. Commonly used in culinary and artistic contexts.

  • Add the tomato paste to the sauce for a richer flavor.
  • Mix water with flour to create a paste for paper-mรขchรฉ projects.
puree

Refers to a smooth, creamy substance made by blending food until itโ€™s entirely smooth. Often used in culinary contexts.

  • Puree the soup until it has a creamy texture.
  • She made a carrot puree for the baby.

Examples of usage

  • The recipe calls for adding the pulp of the tomatoes to the sauce.
  • She strained the orange juice to remove the pulp before serving.
  • I prefer my orange juice with pulp for extra fiber.
  • The mango pulp gives a rich and fruity flavor to the dessert.
  • Carrot pulp can be used in muffins for added moisture.
Context #2 | Noun

in literature

Pulp refers to a type of popular fiction published on cheap paper made from wood pulp. Pulp fiction typically features fast-paced, action-packed stories with colorful characters and exciting plots.

Synonyms

dime novel, penny dreadful, popular fiction.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pulp

Used to describe low-quality, sensational stories often published in inexpensive magazines.

  • He read an old pulp magazine he had found in the attic.
  • Pulp fiction is often filled with thrilling and dramatic plots.
popular fiction

A general term for fiction that is widely read and appeals to a broad audience, often including genres like romance, mystery, and science fiction.

  • She enjoys reading popular fiction before bed.
  • Popular fiction can be found in almost any bookstore or library.
dime novel

Refers to cheaply produced novels from the 19th and early 20th centuries that were popular in the United States. They often featured adventure or western themes.

  • She found an original dime novel at the antique bookstore.
  • Dime novels were once the main source of entertainment for many young Americans.
penny dreadful

A term from Victorian Britain for cheap, sensational literature often focusing on crime, horror, and the supernatural. The term carries a slightly negative connotation.

  • He collected penny dreadfuls from the 19th century.
  • Penny dreadfuls were known for their lurid and shocking stories.

Examples of usage

  • He enjoys reading pulp novels for entertainment.
  • The pulp magazines of the early 20th century were filled with adventure stories.
  • Pulp fiction often incorporates elements of mystery and suspense.
  • The pulp genre includes genres like science fiction, crime, and romance.
  • The pulp tradition continues in modern graphic novels and comic books.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Science

  • Pulp in fruits contains vital nutrients, aiding in digestion and supplying vitamins essential for health.
  • Pulp plays a crucial role in food production, helping create many products like smoothies, sauces, and jams.

Literature

  • In publishing, pulp fiction refers to cheap, sensational novels, often printed on low-quality paper, popular in the early 20th century.
  • Pulp magazines featured thrilling tales and often included illustrations, making them a staple of American pop culture.

Art

  • Pulp can be used to make paper, allowing artists to create crafts and repurpose old materials into new artwork.
  • Some artists incorporate pulp into sculptures and installations, highlighting recycling and sustainability in art.

Culinary Uses

  • Fruit pulp is often used in baking to add moisture and flavor to cakes and pastries.
  • In the culinary world, pulp is also a key ingredient in smoothies and sauces, enhancing texture and taste.

Origin of 'pulp'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'pulpฤ', which means 'soft flesh', showing its connection to juicy fruits.
  • In Old French, 'pulpe' referred to the flesh of fruits, which led to the modern English term we use today.

The word 'pulp' originated in the late 15th century, derived from the Latin word 'pulpa' meaning 'fleshy part of fruit.' Over time, the term evolved to describe the soft and fibrous material found in fruits and vegetables. In the early 20th century, 'pulp' became associated with cheap fiction magazines printed on low-quality paper made from wood pulp, hence giving rise to the term 'pulp fiction.' Today, 'pulp' is used in various contexts, from cooking to literature, highlighting its versatile nature.


See also: pulpy.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,533 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.