Sear Meaning and Definition
Sear
Pronunciation
/sir/
Part of Speech
Verb or Noun
Definition
A verb: to burn or scorch something, typically by applying heat or flames. A noun: a shallow dish for broiling or roasting food.
Examples
- She accidentally seared the edges of the steak.
- The chef put the chicken in a sear to cook.
Etymology
The verb ‘sear’ comes from the Old English word ‘sΔran’, meaning ‘to burn’ or ‘to scorch’, while the noun ‘sear’ originates from the Middle English word ‘seire’, derived from the Old Norse word ‘sirr’, meaning ‘to cook’ or ‘to roast’.
Usage Notes
The verb ‘sear’ is often used in cooking, especially when referring to a cooking method that uses high heat to achieve a crispy crust on a dish. The noun ‘sear’ is typically used to describe a dish meant for broiling or roasting food.
Cultural References
In popular culture, the term ‘sear’ appears in various contexts, such as in recipe books, cooking shows, and restaurants. For example, a chef might explain how to sear a steak on a cooking show, or a cookbook author might provide a recipe for a seared salmon dinner.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- To sear the competition: to surpass others in a competition through exceptional performance.
Related Words or Phrases
- Brown
- Caramelize
- Roast
Collocations
- Sear with butter
- Sear in the oven
Frequency of Use
The verb ‘sear’ is relatively common in culinary contexts, while the noun ‘sear’ is less frequently used outside of cooking discussions.
Common Misspellings
- Seer
- Searr