: the watery part of milk that is separated from the coagulable part or curd especially in the process of making cheese and that is rich in lactose, minerals, and vitamins and contains lactalbumin and traces of fat
wheylike adjective

Examples of whey in a Sentence

The curd has separated from the whey.
Recent Examples on the Web What’s the difference between whey protein concentrate and whey protein isolate? Alaina Chou, Bon Appétit, 8 Apr. 2024 The protein is derived from whey protein concentrate, a high-quality milk protein. Tamar Kane, Ms, Rd, Parents, 27 Mar. 2024 These bars—made with whey protein isolate, plus a few other simple ingredients like nuts, honey, and natural flavorings—deliver a hearty 15 to 18 grams of protein per serving. Jenny McCoy, Glamour, 15 Mar. 2024 While any kind of protein powder is a healthy, affordable and convenient addition to your diet, whey protein, a byproduct of strained milk, stands out. Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 10 Mar. 2024 According to Hackworth, some evidence suggests that the live and active cultures, as well as the whey protein found in dairy milk, may also affect diabetes risk. Lauren Manaker Ms, Rdn, Ld, Verywell Health, 8 Mar. 2024 With 17g of whey protein isolate per serving, this superfuel delivers all the essential amino acids needed to support muscle growth and recovery. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 9 July 2023 The protein comes from whey protein concentrate, and soy and coconut oil are the main fat sources. Lainey Younkin, Ms, Rd, Parents, 15 Mar. 2024 One serving of this powder packs 20 grams of protein for just 90 calories, so its macro profile is pretty comparable to that of whey protein powder. April Benshosan, Glamour, 13 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'whey.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English hwæg; akin to Middle Dutch wey whey

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of whey was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near whey

Cite this Entry

“Whey.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/whey. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

whey

noun
ˈhwā How to pronounce whey (audio)
ˈwā
: the watery part of milk that separates after the milk has soured and thickened especially in the process of making cheese compare curd sense 1

Medical Definition

whey

noun
: the serum or watery part of milk that is separated from the coagulable part or curd especially in the process of making cheese and that is rich in lactose, minerals, and vitamins and contains lactalbumin and traces of fat

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