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Scallop: meaning, definitions and examples

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scallop

 

[ ˈskæləp ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

seafood dish

A scallop is a type of marine bivalve mollusk belonging to the family Pectinidae, characterized by a fan-shaped shell. These shellfish are found in oceans worldwide and are highly sought after for their tender, sweet meat, often used in various culinary dishes. Scallops are commonly harvested for both their meat and their shells, the latter of which are often used in crafts and decorations.

Synonyms

bivalve, mollusk, pecten

Examples of usage

  • I ordered scallops for dinner.
  • The chef prepared pan-seared scallops with garlic butter.
  • Scallops are a popular dish in coastal restaurants.
Context #2 | Verb

cooking technique

To scallop is to prepare food, usually seafood, by baking it in a casserole with ingredients like cream, cheese, and breadcrumbs. This method enhances the flavors and creates a rich, comforting dish. Scalloping can be applied not just to scallops but also to various types of vegetables and meats.

Synonyms

bake, casserole, layer

Examples of usage

  • We decided to scallop the fish with a creamy sauce.
  • The recipe calls for scalloping potatoes with cheese.
  • She loves to scallop vegetables for her casserole.

Translations

Translations of the word "scallop" in other languages:

🇵🇹 vieira

🇮🇳 स्कैलप

🇩🇪 Jakobsmuschel

🇮🇩 kerang scallop

🇺🇦 гребінець

🇵🇱 przegrzebek

🇯🇵 ホタテガイ

🇫🇷 coquille Saint-Jacques

🇪🇸 vieira

🇹🇷 taraklı

🇰🇷 가리비

🇸🇦 محار

🇨🇿 svatojánská mušle

🇸🇰 mušľa svätého Jakuba

🇨🇳 扇贝

🇸🇮 školjka

🇮🇸 skeljur

🇰🇿 қабыршақ

🇬🇪 კარაქი

🇦🇿 qızılbalıq

🇲🇽 viera

Etymology

The word 'scallop' can be traced back to the Old French word 'escallop', which originally meant 'shell' or 'shellfish'. The term evolved from Latin 'scallupa', meaning 'shallow boat' or 'shell', referring to the shape of the scallop shell resembling a boat. The scallop’s historical usage is closely tied to coastal cultures, where it has been a source of food since ancient times. The shell has also held cultural significance in various traditions, often symbolizing pilgrimage or metamorphosis. In culinary terms, scallops became popular in European cuisine, particularly in French cooking, where they were introduced and refined as a delicacy. The word has since established itself in the English language as both a noun and verb, signifying both the creature and a specific cooking technique.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,983, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.