Spoonfuls Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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spoonfuls
[ˈspuːnfəlz ]
Definition
quantity measurement
A spoonful refers to the amount of a substance that can be held by a spoon. This measurement is often used in cooking and baking to indicate how much of an ingredient should be added to a recipe. It can also be utilized in medicine when measuring out dosages of liquid medications. Typically, a standard spoonful is assumed to be either a tablespoon or a teaspoon, depending on the context. Understanding the size of a spoonful can be crucial for both accurate cooking and proper medication dosing.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- Add two spoonfuls of sugar to the coffee.
- The recipe calls for three spoonfuls of flour.
- She took a large spoonful of the sauce.
- He measured out a spoonful of medicine.
- Mix in a spoonful of salt.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Measurement
- In cooking, a tablespoon is often considered to equal three teaspoons, making it easier to measure larger amounts.
- Different countries have varying definitions of a 'spoonful,' which can affect recipes when cooking globally.
History
- Spoons have been used by humans since ancient times, with the first known ones made from materials like wood or shell dating back to around 1000 BC.
- In Medieval Europe, spoons became a symbol of wealth, with fancy designs indicating social status.
Culture
- In many cultures, the act of offering food on a spoon is seen as an intimate and sharing gesture.
- Some traditions include 'spooning' together during meals, reflecting closeness between family members.
Food Science
- Proper measuring of ingredients using spoonfuls can significantly affect the outcome of baked goods, showcasing the importance of precision in cooking.
- Different ingredients have different densities; for instance, a spoonful of sugar weighs differently than a spoonful of flour.
Language
- The word 'spoonful' is a compound word, created from 'spoon' and 'full,' highlighting how language evolves by combining familiar terms.
- Idioms involving spoonfuls, like 'a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down,' illustrate how people use metaphors to convey lessons.
Origin of 'spoonfuls'
The term 'spoonful' has its origins in the combination of the word 'spoon' and the suffix '-ful', which denotes quantity. The word 'spoon' itself originates from the Old English term 'spōn', which referred to a wooden implement used for scooping and serving food. This lineage can be traced back to Proto-Germanic roots, while the '-ful' suffix comes from Old English 'folla', meaning 'a full quantity of'. Hence, the creation of 'spoonful' encapsulates both the object and its capacity in a single term. The expression has been in use since at least the 16th century, as cooking and domestic tasks started becoming more formalized and measured. It reflects a period when standardized measurements became important for recipes and food preparation, allowing for consistency in cooking practices across various cultures.