Sugar Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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sugar
[หสสษกษr ]
Definition
sweetener
Sugar is a sweet substance that is used to make food and drinks taste sweet. It is a carbohydrate and is naturally found in fruits, vegetables, and honey. There are different types of sugar, including white sugar, brown sugar, and powdered sugar.
Synonyms
sucrose, sweetener, sweetening.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| sugar |
Commonly used in daily conversation for both granulated sugar and the general idea of sugar in foods. Can be used in cooking and everyday descriptions.
|
| sweetener |
Refers to substances that are used to add sweetness to food and drinks, especially those that are sugar substitutes. Often used in discussions about diet and health.
|
| sucrose |
Used in scientific, nutritional, or technical contexts to describe the specific compound that makes up table sugar.
|
| sweetening |
Used more as a verb or noun describing the process or act of making something sweeter. It can be used in culinary contexts or metaphorically.
|
Examples of usage
- Would you like some sugar in your coffee?
- She added a spoonful of sugar to the recipe.
- The recipe calls for two cups of sugar.
- I try to limit my intake of sugar.
- Many people use sugar to satisfy their sweet cravings.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The word 'sugar' comes from the Arabic word 'sukkar', which evolved from the Sanskrit word 'ลarkarฤ', meaning 'gravel' or 'sugar'.
- Sugar has been produced and used for thousands of years, initially from sugarcane in India around 500 AD.
- During the Middle Ages, sugar was a luxury item, often referred to as 'white gold' due to its high value.
Health and Nutrition
- While sugar provides energy, consuming too much can lead to health issues like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
- Natural sugars found in fruits and dairy are healthier than added sugars found in processed foods.
- Dietary guidelines suggest limiting added sugars to less than 10% of daily caloric intake for better health.
Culinary Uses
- Sugar is not just a sweetener; it also helps with preserving foods, giving color to baked goods, and enhancing flavors.
- In cooking, sugar can caramelize, creating a complex flavor and a nice brown color in foods like crรจme brรปlรฉe.
- Different types of sugar, like brown sugar and powdered sugar, are used in specific recipes for unique textures and flavors.
Pop Culture
- Sugar has inspired countless songs, from Maroon 5's hit 'Sugar', celebrating love and sweetness, to the sugary allure in pop culture.
- The popular dessert 'sugar skulls' are traditionally made for the Dรญa de los Muertos celebration in Mexico.
- The term 'sugary' often describes a sweet and overly sentimental love story in movies and books.
Science
- Chemically, sugar is a type of carbohydrate, which our bodies use as a primary source of energy.
- In plants, sugars are produced during photosynthesis, making them essential for energy transfer in ecosystems.
- There are many types of sugar, including glucose, fructose, and sucrose, each affecting the body differently.
Origin of 'sugar'
The word 'sugar' originated from the Sanskrit word 'ลarkarฤ', which means 'ground or candied sugar'. It was later adapted into the Arabic 'sukkar' and the Old French 'suker' before becoming 'sugar' in English. Sugar has been used for centuries as a sweetener and preservative in foods and beverages.
See also: sucrose, sugariness, sugary.