Reconstituted: meaning, definitions and examples

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reconstituted

 

[ ˌriːˈkɒnstɪtuːtɪd ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

processed food

Reconstituted refers to a form of food that has been rehydrated after being dried or processed. This method is commonly used for instant or dehydrated products where water is added back to restore the original texture and composition.

Synonyms

rehydrated, restored, revived.

Examples of usage

  • The reconstituted soup tastes fresh after adding boiling water.
  • We served reconstituted cheese on the pasta.
  • Reconstituted fruit is often used in desserts.

Etymology

The term 'reconstituted' derives from the prefix 're-', indicating repetition or return to a previous state, combined with 'constituted' from the Latin 'constitutere', meaning to set up or establish. The concept of reconstitution has its roots in food preservation techniques that date back centuries, when fruits and vegetables were dried for storage. With the advent of modern food processing methods in the 20th century, reconstituted foods became more popular, particularly in the realm of convenience foods. This allowed for long shelf life and ease of preparation, making it a common method in both household cooking and industrial food production. Over time, the term expanded beyond food to describe any process where something is recreated or restored to its original condition.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,813, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.