Reconstitute: meaning, definitions and examples

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reconstitute

 

[ˌriːˈkɒnstɪtjuːt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

food preparation

To reconstitute means to restore a substance to its original state by adding water or another liquid. This is commonly applied in food preparation where dehydrated products, such as powdered milk or dried fruits, are mixed with water to regain their original texture and flavor. The process ensures that the nutrients and taste are preserved while making the food easier to use in cooking. Reconstituting is a critical technique in various culinary methods, especially in the preparation of instant meals.

Synonyms

rehydrate, restore, revive.

Examples of usage

  • To reconstitute dehydrated potatoes, add boiling water.
  • You can reconstitute the soup by adding stock.
  • Reconstitute dried mushrooms by soaking them in water.
Context #2 | Verb

general use

In a broader sense, to reconstitute can also refer to the act of reorganizing or restructuring something, such as a committee or organization. This can involve bringing together various elements to form a new entity or group, ensuring that the original purpose is met, while possibly adapting to new circumstances or requirements.

Synonyms

reassemble, reorganize, reshape.

Examples of usage

  • The committee was reconstituted to include more members.
  • They plan to reconstitute the organization after the merger.
  • Our goal is to reconstitute the team for better efficiency.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 're-' meaning 'again' and 'constituere' which means 'to set up' or 'to establish'.
  • It has been used in English since the early 19th century, primarily in contexts involving food and chemistry.

Science

  • In the field of chemistry, reconstitution refers to restoring a substance to its original form after it has been dehydrated or altered.
  • Protein powders are a common example; they can be reconstituted into shakes by adding water or milk.

Food Industry

  • Reconstituting is widely used in the food industry, especially for instant products such as powdered soups and meal kits.
  • Sundried tomatoes are often reconstituted in water or oil to restore their moisture and flavor before use in recipes.

Cultural Impact

  • In today’s global world, reconstituting food is a sustainable practice as it often reduces waste by reviving preserved items.
  • Cooking shows often demonstrate reconstitution techniques to illustrate how to use dried or freeze-dried ingredients effectively.

Health and Nutrition

  • Reconstituting dried fruits or vegetables often makes them easier to digest and allows for nutrient absorption.
  • Hydrated foods can bring back important vitamins and minerals that may be lost during the drying process.

Translations

Translations of the word "reconstitute" in other languages:

🇵🇹 reconstituir

🇮🇳 पुनर्स्थापित करना

🇩🇪 rekonstituieren

🇮🇩 mengembalikan

🇺🇦 реінтегрувати

🇵🇱 rekonstruować

🇯🇵 再構築する

🇫🇷 reconstituer

🇪🇸 reconstituir

🇹🇷 yeniden yapılandırmak

🇰🇷 재구성하다

🇸🇦 إعادة بناء

🇨🇿 rekonstruovat

🇸🇰 rekonštruovať

🇨🇳 重建

🇸🇮 rekonstruirati

🇮🇸 endurreisa

🇰🇿 қайта құру

🇬🇪 განახლება

🇦🇿 yenidən qurmaq

🇲🇽 reconstituir

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,277, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.