Squeezer - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

kitchen tool

A squeezer is a kitchen tool used for extracting juice from fruits, especially citrus fruits like lemons and oranges. It usually consists of two handles and a bowl-shaped component that holds the fruit in place. By pressing the handles together, the juice is extracted while the seeds and pulp are retained. This tool is popular among chefs and home cooks alike for its efficiency and simplicity.

Synonyms

citrus press, juice extractor, juicer.

Examples of usage

I used the squeezer to make fresh lemonade.
This citrus squeezer works perfectly for oranges.
A manual squeezer is easy to clean and store.
With a squeezer, you won't waste a single drop of juice.

Interesting Facts

Culinary Uses

Squeezers are commonly used in kitchens for making fresh juice, especially citrus juices to enhance flavors in dishes.
There are electric versions of squeezers that make it easy to extract juice without much effort, great for busy cooks.
In some cultures, especially Mediterranean, fresh-squeezed juice is a staple at meals, highlighting the importance of this tool.

Cultural References

In movies and cartoons, a squeezer often symbolizes hard work when characters try to get the last drop of juice from a fruit.
The famous phrase 'Give it a squeeze!' is often used in cooking shows to emphasize extracting maximum flavor.
Different types of squeezers, such as the hand-held and the juicer, often appear as essential kitchen tools in cookbooks.

Science

From a scientific perspective, the squeezing action helps release concentrated flavors found in the fruit's juice sacs.
Juicing as a method of extraction has been studied in food science to understand how the process affects nutritional value.
Pressure applied during squeezing can lead to the breakdown of cell walls, enhancing the release of vitamins and antioxidants.

Pop Culture

The squeezer has appeared in various animated series where characters humorously struggle to get juice to fight adversity.
Many cooking competitions feature challenges centered around juice extraction, often using squeezers to test contestants' skills.
Squeezers are featured in merchandise, such as themed kitchen gadgets from popular TV cooking shows, highlighting their charm.

Origin of 'squeezer'

Main points about word origin

The term originates from the verb 'squeeze,' which comes from the Middle English 'squese', meaning to press or compress.
It has cognates in other languages such as 'esquinzar' in Spanish, which also means to squeeze.
The first recorded use of 'squeezer' dates back to the early 19th century, referring to various devices that extract liquid.

The term 'squeezer' traces its origins back to the early 20th century, stemming from the verb 'squeeze', which comes from the Middle English 'squizen', meaning 'to press'. The use of squeezers as kitchen instruments became popularized with the increase in the consumption of citrus fruits, particularly in the United States. The design of a typical squeezer has evolved over the years, with modern versions often made of plastic or stainless steel. The concept of squeezing for juice extraction has roots in various cultures, where different forms of presses have been employed. The term encapsulates the action of the tool, emphasizing its functionality in the culinary space.

Squeezer Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations