Fry

Definition

Fry refers to cooking food in hot fat or oil, typically in a shallow pan. As a noun, it can refer to young fish or small aquatic animals, or fried food items. It is also used figuratively to describe being subjected to intense heat or pressure.

Parts of Speech

• Verb
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /fraɪ/
• Respelling: fry

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /fraɪ/
• Respelling: fry

Etymology

The word "fry" originates from Old French "frire," derived from Latin "frigere," meaning "to roast" or "to fry." It was adopted into Middle English in the 13th century, retaining its culinary and figurative meanings.

Derivatives

• Fryer (noun)
• Frying (noun/verb)
• Fried (adjective)
• Refry (verb)
• Deep-fry (verb)

Synonyms

• Sauté
• Cook
• Brown

Antonyms

• Boil
• Steam
• Freeze

Usage

The term "fry" is used in culinary and figurative contexts. For example, "She decided to fry the chicken for dinner," or "The electronics will fry if exposed to too much heat."

Related Terms

• Cooking: The preparation of food by applying heat.
• Deep-frying: A method of cooking food by submerging it in hot oil.
• Sautéing: Cooking food quickly in a small amount of fat.

Detailed Definitions

Verb

• To cook food in hot fat or oil: Refers to a common culinary technique.
  • Example: "He fried the vegetables in olive oil."
• To damage or destroy with intense heat: Used figuratively to describe extreme heat or pressure.
  • Example: "The sun was so intense it felt like it was frying my skin."

Noun

• Small fried food items: Refers to food that has been fried.
  • Example: "The restaurant is known for its delicious fries."
• Young fish or aquatic animals: Refers to the juvenile stage of certain species.
  • Example: "The pond was teeming with fry."