Thickened Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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thickened
thick-ened
Definition
cooking process
Thickened refers to the process of making a liquid denser by adding a thickening agent such as flour, cornstarch, or gelatin. This technique is commonly used in culinary practices to improve the texture and consistency of sauces, soups, and gravies. By thickening, you can enhance the mouthfeel of a dish, making it more satisfying. Thickening is also crucial in baking, where it can influence the final product's structure and stability.
Synonyms
congealed, densified, enriched.
Examples of usage
- The sauce was thickened with cornstarch.
- To make the soup creamier, it was thickened with a roux.
- The custard thickened as it cooked on low heat.
Translations
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Quick facts about “thickened”
Thickened is a 2-syllable verb (thick-ened). It is pronounced /ˈθɪkənd/ in American English and /θˈɪkənd/ in British English. On finesentence.com it has 1 meaning, 3 synonyms, and translations into 21 languages. It ranks #10,242 among the most common English words.
Origin of 'thickened'
The word 'thicken' comes from the Old English 'þiccan,' which means 'to become thick' or 'to thicken.' The term has roots in various Germanic languages, where similar forms have been used for centuries to describe the act of making something denser or less fluid. Over time, the usage of 'thicken' has evolved to include both literal and figurative meanings. In culinary contexts, it gained prominence in the 15th century as cooking techniques advanced with the introduction of thickening agents. Today, thickening is a fundamental skill in both professional and home kitchens, signifying its importance in food preparation and culinary arts.