Sifted: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word 'sift' comes from the Old English 'siftan', meaning 'to separate, to take apart'.
• Related words include 'sieve', which is a tool used for sifting, also originating from the Old English 'sife'.
• The concept has been around for centuries, used in agriculture and baking to improve texture and quality.

Culinary Arts

• Sifting flour is often recommended in baking to aerate it, resulting in lighter cakes and pastries.
• Many pastry chefs sift powdered sugar before using it in icings to avoid clumps and ensure smoothness.
• The practice of sifting isn't limited to flour; it can also be applied to cocoa powder and other dry ingredients.

Science

• Sifting can be used in particle size analysis in chemistry to determine the distribution of different sized particles.
• In geology, sediment is sifted to analyze the composition and age of soil or rocks.
• This technique is also essential in mining and culinary practices to discover valuable materials hidden among less valuable ones.

Cultural Practices

• In some cultures, sifting flour is a traditional part of family gatherings and celebrations, emphasizing the importance of food preparation.
• Certain artisan bakers have developed unique sifting techniques to create signature textures in their bread, linking to local traditions.
• Folklore in various regions often associates sifting with cleanliness and abundance, believing it brings good luck.

Literature

• Sifting is frequently used as a metaphor in literature to describe the process of discerning truth from falsehood or finding meaning.
• Authors like Virginia Woolf employed the idea of sifting through thoughts in stream-of-consciousness writing, reflecting inner dialogue.
• Poets often use the action of sifting to enhance imagery, evoking sensations of filtering emotions or memories.

With rank #17,675, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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• 17672 wearily
• 17673 articulating
• 17674 suspiciously
• 17675 sifted
• 17676 cozy
• 17677 inquisition
• 17678 bequeath
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