Sugar

Definition

Sugar is a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to a sweet, crystalline substance obtained from plants like sugarcane or sugar beet, used as a sweetener. As a verb, it means to sweeten with sugar.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈʃʊɡər/
• Respelling: SHOO-gur

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈʃʊɡə/
• Respelling: SHOO-guh

Etymology

The word "sugar" originates from the Old French "sucre," derived from Arabic "sukkar," which in turn comes from the Sanskrit "śarkarā," meaning "grit or gravel," a reference to its crystalline form.

Derivatives

• Sugary (adjective)
• Sugarless (adjective)
• Sugarcoat (verb)
• Resugar (verb)
• Sugariness (noun)

Synonyms

• Sweetener
• Sucrose
• Sweet

Antonyms

• Salt
• Bitter
• None

Usage

The term "sugar" is commonly used in cooking, beverages, and as a metaphor for sweetness in behavior. Examples include "Add a spoonful of sugar to the tea" and "She always speaks with sugar in her words."

Related Terms

• Sweetener: A substance used to add sweetness to food and drinks.
• Carbohydrate: An organic compound that includes sugars, starches, and fibers.
• Glucose: A simple sugar and primary energy source for living organisms.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A sweet crystalline substance: Derived from plants, used in food and drinks.
  • Example: "The recipe requires two cups of sugar."

Verb

• To sweeten with sugar: The act of adding sugar to enhance sweetness.
  • Example: "She sugared her coffee before drinking it."