Main Entry: ¹but·ter

Pronunciation: \ˈbə-tər\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Old English butere, from Latin butyrum, from Greek boutyron, from bous cow + tyros cheese; akin to Avestan tūiri- curds — more at cow

Date: before 12th century

1 : a solid emulsion of fat globules, air, and water made by churning milk or cream and used as food
2 : a buttery substance: as a : any of various fatty oils remaining nearly solid at ordinary temperatures b : a creamy food spread; especially : one made of ground roasted nuts <peanut butter>
3 : flattery

— but·ter·less \-ləs\ adjective