Main Entry: blanch

Pronunciation: \ˈblanch\

Function: verb

Etymology: Middle English blaunchen, from Anglo-French blanchir, from blanc, adjective, white — more at blank

Date: 15th century

transitive verb : to take the color out of: as a : to bleach by excluding light b : to scald or parboil in water or steam in order to remove the skin from, whiten, or stop enzymatic action in (as food for freezing) c : to make ashen or pale <fear blanches the cheek> intransitive verb : to become white or pale

— blanch·er noun