Cooking

Definition

Cooking is the act of preparing food by combining, heating, or processing ingredients. It involves various techniques, equipment, and practices to create edible and often enjoyable dishes.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb (present participle of "cook")

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈkʊkɪŋ/
• Respelling: KOO-king

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈkʊkɪŋ/
• Respelling: KOO-king

The pronunciation of "cooking" is identical in both American and British English.

Etymology

The word "cooking" is derived from the Old English "cocian," meaning "to prepare food by heat," which itself came from Latin "coquere," meaning "to cook" or "to ripen." The term has been used in English since the 13th century and retains meanings related to food preparation and culinary arts.

Derivatives

• Cook (noun/verb)
• Cookery (noun)
• Cooked (adjective)
• Cooking (noun - as a culinary skill or process)
• Overcook (verb)

Synonyms

• Preparing
• Heating
• Baking

Antonyms

• Raw
• Unprocessed
• None

Usage

The term "cooking" is commonly used to describe the act of preparing food. For example, "She enjoys cooking for her family" or "His cooking skills have improved significantly."

Related Terms

• Cuisine: A style or method of cooking associated with a specific culture or region.
• Culinary: Relating to cooking or the art of preparing food.
• Gastronomy: The study of food and cooking, particularly fine food and cuisine.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The practice or skill of preparing food by combining, heating, or processing ingredients: Refers to the art or activity of creating meals.
  • Example: "Her passion for cooking started in her childhood."
• A culinary process involving heat: Describes the method by which food is made suitable for consumption.
  • Example: "Slow cooking brings out the flavors in the ingredients."

Verb (present participle of "cook")

• The act of preparing food by heating ingredients: Used to describe the ongoing action of making food.
  • Example: "She is cooking dinner for her friends tonight."