butter

¹but·ter

noun \ˈbə-tər\

Definition of BUTTER

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

Examples of BUTTER

1. Would you like some butter for your potato?
2. Sauté the onions in melted butter.

Origin of BUTTER

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

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to BUTTER

Synonyms: adulation, blarney, flattery, flannel [British], incense, overpraise, soft soap, sweet talk, taffy

Related Words: allurements, blandishments, endearments; caresses, compliments, congratulations, felicitations, greetings, regards, respects; adoration, idolatry, worship; fawning, sycophancy, toadying; cajolement, cajolery, ingratiation, smarm; acclaim, applause, commendation, praise

Near Antonyms: bad-mouthing, belittlement, depreciation, detraction, disparagement, put-down

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Other Food Terms

Reuben, calamari, chuck, curry, edamame, foie gras, hummus, leaven, nonpareil, peel

Rhymes with BUTTER

clutter, cutter, flutter, gutter, mutter, nutter, putter, scutter, shutter, splutter, sputter, strutter, stutter, utter