whey

noun

ˈ(h)wā 

: 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

ˈ(h)wā-ˌlīk 

adjective

Examples of whey in a Sentence

The curd has separated from the whey.

Recent Examples on the Web

It is frequently added to dairy products such as milk to prevent fat and protein separation and to cottage cheese to prevent separation of the whey (the watery part of milk that remains after being curdled). —Laura Schober, Health, 17 July 2024

Once a healthy diet is in place, one of the most important supplements is whey protein. —Outside Online, 29 May 2024

Each cocktail fuses influences and flavors from two destinations; cachaça and wasabi in Rio to Tokyo; rum, vermouth, and olive whey in the Kingston to Milan. —The Bon Appétit Staff & Contributors, Bon Appétit, 28 June 2024

The onsite experience will likely highlight milking, cheesemaking, and turning that discarded whey into vodka. —Maggie Menderski, The Courier-Journal, 23 Jan. 2024

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

Phrases Containing whey

• whey-face

Kids Definition

whey

noun

ˈhwā 

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

ˈhwā  ˈwā 

: 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