Milk

Definition

Milk is a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to a white liquid produced by the mammary glands of mammals, used as food by humans and other animals. It also refers to similar plant-based liquids used as a substitute. As a verb, it means to extract milk from a mammal or to exploit something for personal gain.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /mɪlk/
• Respelling: MILK

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /mɪlk/
• Respelling: MILK

Etymology

The word "milk" originates from Old English "meolc" or "milc," derived from Proto-Germanic "*meluks," which in turn stems from Proto-Indo-European "*h₂melǵ-," meaning "to wipe, stroke" (related to milking). Its use as a verb to denote exploitation emerged in the 16th century.

Derivatives

• Milking (noun/verb)
• Milkmaid (noun)
• Milkman (noun)
• Milky (adjective)
• Milkshake (noun)

Synonyms

• Dairy (noun)
• Extract (verb)
• Exploit (verb)

Antonyms

• None (noun)
• Return (verb)
• Contribute (verb)

Usage

The term "milk" is used both in literal and metaphorical contexts. For example, "She poured a glass of milk" (noun) or "He milked the opportunity for all it was worth" (verb).

Related Terms

• Dairy: Products made from milk, or the place where milk is processed.
• Lactation: The secretion of milk by mammals.
• Plant-based milk: Liquids derived from plants, such as almond or soy milk.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A white liquid produced by mammals to feed their young: Refers to the primary definition of milk as a biological product.
  • Example: "Cow's milk is a staple in many diets worldwide."
• A liquid derived from plants used as a substitute for dairy: Refers to non-dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk.
  • Example: "She prefers almond milk in her coffee."

Verb

• To extract milk from a mammal: Refers to the act of milking.
  • Example: "He milks the cows every morning."
• To exploit or take full advantage of a situation: Used metaphorically.
  • Example: "She milked the applause for as long as she could."