butterfat

noun but·ter·fat \ -ˌfat \

Updated on: 16 Apr 2018

Definition of butterfat

: the natural fat of milk and chief constituent of butter consisting essentially of a mixture of glycerides (such as those derived from butyric, capric, caproic, and caprylic acids)

See butterfat defined for English-language learners

See butterfat defined for kids

Recent Examples of butterfat from the Web

Fry onions, garlic, chiles and paprika in butterfat.

— ali bouzari, San Francisco Chronicle, "Housemade: The silent science behind three signature dishes at Duna," 12 Apr. 2018
Significantly lower in butterfat than ice cream — from 0 to 8 percent on average, versus 10 to 18 percent or higher — gelato is churned with less air, so it’s unexpectedly denser and richer in the mouth.

— michele parente, Pacific San Diego Magazine, "Stop eating bad ice cream: The case for gelato," 16 June 2017
The butterfat that is left over after water and milk solids are removed, this is the only dairy allowed.

— molly kimball, cleveland.com, "Whole30: Extreme healthy eating, with specific do's and don'ts," 15 Aug. 2017
Significantly lower in butterfat than ice cream — from 0 to 8 percent on average, versus 10 to 18 percent or higher — gelato is churned with less air, so it’s unexpectedly denser and richer in the mouth.

— michele parente, Pacific San Diego Magazine, "Stop eating bad ice cream: The case for gelato," 16 June 2017
Significantly lower in butterfat than ice cream — from 0 to 8 percent on average, versus 10 to 18 percent or higher — gelato is churned with less air, so it’s unexpectedly denser and richer in the mouth.

— michele parente, Pacific San Diego Magazine, "Stop eating bad ice cream: The case for gelato," 16 June 2017
Eventually you will be left with a golden layer and a bottom layer of milk solids. Pour the clear, golden layer of butterfat into a glass jar.

— claire perez, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Claire's tip of the week: How to clarify butter," 7 July 2017
Significantly lower in butterfat than ice cream — from 0 to 8 percent on average, versus 10 to 18 percent or higher — gelato is churned with less air, so it’s unexpectedly denser and richer in the mouth.

— michele parente, Pacific San Diego Magazine, "Stop eating bad ice cream: The case for gelato," 16 June 2017
Significantly lower in butterfat than ice cream — from 0 to 8 percent on average, versus 10 to 18 percent or higher — gelato is churned with less air, so it’s unexpectedly denser and richer in the mouth.

— michele parente, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Stop eating bad ice cream: The case for gelato," 15 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'butterfat.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of butterfat

1874

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

BUTTERFAT Defined for English Language Learners

butterfat

noun

Definition of butterfat for English Language Learners

: the natural fat of milk from which butter is made

BUTTERFAT Defined for Kids

butterfat

noun but·ter·fat \ ˈbə-tər-ˌfat \

Definition of butterfat for Students

: the natural fat of milk that is the chief ingredient of butter

Medical Dictionary

butterfat

noun but·ter·fat \ -ˌfat \

medical Definition of butterfat

: the natural fat of milk and chief constituent of butter consisting essentially of a mixture of glycerides (as butyrin, olein, and palmitin)

Learn More about butterfat

See words that rhyme with butterfat Spanish Central: Translation of butterfat Nglish: Translation of butterfat for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about butterfat

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up butterfat? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

butterfat

Definition of butterfat

Recent Examples of butterfat from the Web

First Known Use of butterfat

BUTTERFAT Defined for English Language Learners

butterfat

Definition of butterfat for English Language Learners

BUTTERFAT Defined for Kids

butterfat

Definition of butterfat for Students

Medical Dictionary

butterfat

medical Definition of butterfat

Learn More about butterfat

Seen and Heard

WORD OF THE DAY

slew

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Test Your Vocabulary

Words at Play

The Fossil Encased in "Case In Point"

‘Sleight’ or ‘Slight’ of Hand?

'Complement' vs. 'Compliment'

Words from Letters in the Greek Alphabet

Ask the Editors

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

Words of the Year: 1066

Literally

Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice?

Word Games

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

More Confusing Words—Quiz

Spell It

SCRABBLE® Sprint

The Fossil Encased in "Case In Point"

Trending: 'Venom' Trailer Drives Searches for 'Symbiote'

Going Greek: 7 Words from the Greek Alphabet

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

butterfat

Definition of butterfat

Recent Examples of butterfat from the Web

First Known Use of butterfat

BUTTERFAT Defined for English Language Learners

butterfat

Definition of butterfat for English Language Learners

BUTTERFAT Defined for Kids

butterfat

Definition of butterfat for Students

Medical Dictionary

butterfat

medical Definition of butterfat

Learn More about butterfat

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

The Fossil Encased in "Case In Point"

Trending: 'Venom' Trailer Drives Searches for 'Symbiote'

Going Greek: 7 Words from the Greek Alphabet

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes