Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Toaster Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿž
Add to dictionary

toaster

[หˆtoสŠstษ™r ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

kitchen appliance

A toaster is a small kitchen appliance designed to brown slices of bread by exposing them to radiant heat. Most toasters have slots into which slices of bread are inserted. The appliance uses heating elements that glow red hot to toast the bread until it reaches the desired level of crispiness. Toasters can also be used for bagels and waffles, making them versatile for breakfast. The use of a toaster makes it convenient to prepare quick meals or snacks.

Synonyms

bread toaster, toasting machine.

Examples of usage

  • I put my bread in the toaster.
  • She enjoys a toasted bagel for breakfast.
  • The toaster has a setting for darker toast.
  • This appliance makes breakfast so much faster.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Innovation

  • The first electric toaster, invented in 1909 by Frank Shailor, was a simple apparatus that could toast one slice of bread at a time.
  • In 1921, Charles Strite patented the automatic pop-up toaster, revolutionizing breakfast by allowing bread to toast and pop up without manual intervention.

Pop Culture

  • Toasters have been featured in various movies and TV shows, often humorously portraying them as characters or unwanted appliances that occasionally cause mishaps.
  • In the comic series 'The Adventures of Tintin', a toaster is humorously called the 'most dangerous appliance in the household' in one of the strips.

Science

  • Toasting bread is a complex chemical process known as the Maillard reaction, which enhances flavor and creates the brown color we associate with toasted bread.
  • Different types of bread can require various toasting times, as factors like moisture content and thickness affect the toasting process.

Cultural Significance

  • Toasters symbolize modern convenience in many cultures, representing the shift towards faster and more efficient cooking methods.
  • In some countries, toasters are a staple in households and are often gifted to newlyweds or in home warming ceremonies as symbols of hospitality and warmth.

Origin of 'toaster'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'toaster' comes from the verb 'to toast', which has its roots in the Latin word 'tostus', meaning 'burned' or 'to scorch'.
  • The first use of 'toaster' as a noun in English dates back to the late 19th century, referring initially to devices for browning bread.

The word 'toaster' originates from the early 19th century and is derived from the verb 'to toast', which means to make or become brown and crisp by heat. The first electric toasters were created in the early 1900s, with the first commercially successful model known as the Toastmaster being introduced in 1921. The appliance quickly gained popularity in American households due to its efficiency and convenience, making it a staple in kitchens. Over the decades, toasters have evolved from simple manual devices to complex machines with various features, including multiple settings for different types of bread and automatic ejection.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,711, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.