yolk

noun

\ ˈyōk

, ˈyelk (in cultivated speech especially Southern US) also ˈyōlk, ˈyȯlk, ˈyälk, ˈyəlk\

variants: or less commonly yoke \ ˈyōk

Definition of yolk

1a : the yellow spheroidal mass of stored food that forms the inner portion of the egg of a bird or reptile and is surrounded by the white — see egg illustration

b archaic : the whole contents of an animal ovum consisting of a protoplasmic formative portion and an inert nutritive portion

c : material stored in an animal ovum that supplies food to the developing embryo and consists chiefly of proteins, lecithin, and cholesterol

2 [ akin to Middle Dutch ieke yolk (of wool), Old English ēowu ewe ] : oily material in unprocessed sheep wool consisting of wool fat, suint, and debris

Other Words from yolk Example Sentences Learn More about yolk

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Other Words from yolk

yolked \ ˈyōkt

, ˈyelkt , (in cultivated speech, especially Southern US) also ˈyōlkt , ˈyȯlkt , ˈyälkt , ˈyəlkt \ adjective

yolky \ ˈyō-kē

, ˈyel- (in cultivated speech, especially Southern US) also ˈyōl- , ˈyȯl- , ˈyäl- , ˈyəl- \ adjective

Examples of yolk in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There’s a vest made from curly sheepskin in canary and yolk yellows, and a coat in gray with hints of pink inspired by Justin Timberlake’s frosted tips in the early aughts. — Liana Satenstein, Vogue, "Eckhaus Latta Reimagines the Ugg With a Deliciously Square Toe," 9 Feb. 2019 Cover and cook until whites are set, 4 to 5 minutes for soft yolks. — Woman's Day Kitchen, Woman's Day, "Egg Pepper Rings with Carrot Salsa," 9 Jan. 2019 There’s the egg bagel with whole egg yolks, turmeric, achiote, and Indian sulfur salt to bring out a hard egg flavor. — Steff Yotka, Vogue, "This Is How You Make a Perfect New York Bagel," 28 Dec. 2018 These condiments are made up of ingredients that should not mix together by the properties of suspension and emulsion: Anything that involves an emulsion of egg yolk or a suspension of vinegar to exist, should not exist. — Megan Ditrolio, Marie Claire, "Unpopular Opinion: Condiments Are Disgusting," 21 Nov. 2018 Traditionally a blanquette is thickened with egg yolks and has pearl onions and often button mushrooms in the mix. — Eric Asimov, New York Times, "2016 Dry German Rieslings: Graceful, Resonant, Delicious," 3 May 2018 Quickly whisk the cornstarch together with the egg yolks. — Ellise Pierce, star-telegram, "Spring brings the sweet promise of simple desserts — with berries, of course," 10 Apr. 2018 Add to bowl sugar with egg yolks, then vigorously whisk until a shade paler, about 1 minute. — Sunset, "Lime Tartlets with Orange Blossom Cream and Toasted Fennel," 22 Jan. 2018 While rubbery shells, eggs with no yolk, and blood spots are no reason for concern, a lash egg could mean something more serious. — Jessica Leigh Mattern, Country Living, "Here's What You Should Do If Your Chicken Lays a Lash Egg," 9 Aug. 2017

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