Underdone: meaning, definitions and examples
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underdone
[ ˌʌndərˈdʌn ]
cooking quality
Underdone refers to food that hasn't been cooked thoroughly enough, leaving it raw or insufficiently cooked. This term is commonly used in relation to meats and baked goods, where proper cooking is essential for safety and texture. Eating underdone food can lead to foodborne illnesses, thus it's important to ensure that items like chicken or beef reach their required internal temperatures. Therefore, it’s a crucial term in culinary contexts, highlighting the importance of cooking food properly.
Synonyms
incomplete, insufficiently cooked, rare.
Examples of usage
- The steak was underdone and still cold in the center.
- Make sure the chicken isn't underdone; check the temperature.
- The cake turned out underdone, so we had to bake it longer.
- Cooking pasta underdone ensures it retains a good bite.
Etymology
The word 'underdone' has its roots in Middle English, originating from the combination of the prefix 'under-', meaning 'insufficient' or 'not enough,' and the verb 'done,' which is the past participle of 'do.' The use of 'underdone' began to appear in culinary texts around the late 19th century, referring specifically to food that had not been cooked adequately. The prefix 'under-' has historically indicated a lower quality or quantity of something, and when applied to 'done,' it highlights a lack of completion in the cooking process. Over time, this term has become more common in everyday language, particularly among cooks and food enthusiasts, emphasizing the importance of proper cooking techniques to ensure safety and quality in food preparation.