Butter

Definition

Butter is a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to a dairy product made by churning cream or milk to separate the fat globules, commonly used as a spread, cooking fat, and ingredient in various dishes. As a verb, it means to apply butter to food.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈbʌtər/
• Respelling: BUT-er

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈbʌtə/
• Respelling: BUT-uh

The pronunciation of "butter" is similar in both American and British English, with a slight difference in the final syllable.

Etymology

The word "butter" originates from the Latin word "butyrum," derived from the Greek "bouturon," meaning "cow cheese." It entered Old English as "butere," referring to the dairy product we recognize today, made by churning cream or milk.

Derivatives

• Buttery (adjective)
• Buttermilk (noun)
• Butterfat (noun)
• Butterfly (noun)
• Butterfingered (adjective)

Synonyms

• Spread
• Margarine
• Churn

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The term "butter" is commonly used in cooking and baking, as in "Spread some butter on the toast." It is also used as a verb, as in "He buttered the bread before toasting it."

Related Terms

• Cream: The thick, fatty part of milk that rises to the top and is used to make butter.
• Ghee: Clarified butter commonly used in Indian cooking.
• Margarine: A butter substitute made from vegetable oils.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A dairy product made by churning cream or milk to separate fat: Used as a spread, ingredient, and cooking fat in various cuisines.
  • Example: "She added a pat of butter to the pan."
• A yellowish solid fat obtained from milk or cream: Often sold in blocks, sticks, or tubs for easy use in cooking and baking.
  • Example: "The recipe calls for softened butter."

Verb

• To apply butter to food: Typically done to enhance flavor or prevent sticking.
  • Example: "He buttered the toast before adding jam."