Rice Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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rice
[raษชs ]
Definitions
food staple
Rice is a cereal plant that produces small edible grains which are used as a staple food in many parts of the world. It is the most widely consumed staple food for a large part of the world's human population.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| rice |
Use when specifically referring to the grain that is a staple food in many cultures. It often appears in meals, side dishes, and sushi.
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| grain |
Use when discussing the broader category of small, hard seeds from plants such as wheat, barley, and rice. Often appears in contexts related to agriculture, food, and health.
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| cereal |
Best when referring to breakfast foods like cornflakes or oats that are often eaten with milk.
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Examples of usage
- Boiled rice is a common side dish in many Asian cuisines.
- Rice cultivation has been practiced for thousands of years.
- She cooked a delicious stir-fry with vegetables and rice for dinner.
to remove moisture
To rice something means to remove excess moisture from it, often by pressing or squeezing. This term is commonly used in cooking to describe the process of draining water from cooked rice to achieve the desired texture.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| drain |
This means removing liquid from food after boiling or cooking it, usually by pouring it through a colander or strainer.
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| squeeze |
This is used when you need to press something firmly, often to extract liquid from it, like squeezing a lemon or squeezing water out of a cloth.
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Examples of usage
- After cooking the rice, you should rice it to get rid of excess water.
- The recipe calls for riced potatoes to make the dish lighter and fluffier.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- Rice has been cultivated for over 9,000 years, beginning in the Yangtze River valley in China.
- Ancient texts from India and China reference rice as a major food source, highlighting its importance in early civilizations.
- It played a significant role in the economies of Asia, leading to trade routes that shaped cultural exchanges.
Culinary Uses
- In many cultures, rice is a staple food, integral to daily meals, often cooked in various forms like steamed, fried, or in risottos.
- There are over 40,000 varieties of rice around the world, each with unique flavors, textures, and cooking methods.
- Rice is also used to make products like rice paper and rice noodles, common in Asian cuisine.
Cultural Significance
- In numerous cultures, rice symbolizes prosperity and fertility, often used in traditional wedding ceremonies.
- The word for rice can mean 'food' in many Asian languages, showcasing its importance in diet and culture.
- Harvest festivals celebrating rice crops are traditional events in many rice-producing communities.
Nutritional Value
- Rice is a rich source of carbohydrates, providing energy for daily activities and is often fortified with vitamins and minerals.
- Brown rice retains its husk and is considered healthier than white rice due to higher fiber content.
- World Health Organization studies suggest that rice can be a key component in a balanced diet, particularly in developing countries.
Environmental Aspects
- Rice production significantly impacts water use; it is typically grown in flooded fields to control weeds and pests.
- Research is underway to develop rice varieties that require less water and are more resistant to climate change effects.
- Healthy ecosystems can be supported by integrating rice farming with sustainable practices like agroecology.
Origin of 'rice'
The word 'rice' has its origins in the Old French term 'ris', which comes from Italian 'riso'. The cultivation of rice can be traced back to ancient civilizations in Asia, with evidence of rice cultivation in China dating back over 9,000 years. Rice has played a crucial role in the diets and cultures of many societies throughout history, shaping culinary traditions and agricultural practices.