Word
balsamic
Phoneticsbal·sam·ic
US/ˌbɑɫˈsɑmɪk/
UK/bɔːlsˈæmɪk/
Definition
adj. describing a dark, sweet vinegar made from grapes. It is often used to add a rich flavor to salads or meats.
adj. relating to or denoting a dark, syrupy vinegar made from fermented grape juice. Often used attributively to describe culinary products or specific vinegar varieties.
Examples
“I love the sweet taste of balsamic vinegar on my salad.”
“The chef drizzled a thick balsamic reduction over the roasted beets to enhance their natural sweetness.”
“While traditional balsamic vinegar is aged for years in wooden barrels, many modern recipes use a cheaper, quicker-to-produce version that still provides a similar tangy depth to the dish.”
Examples
simple
“I love the sweet taste of balsamic vinegar on my salad.”
contextual
“The chef drizzled a thick balsamic reduction over the roasted beets to enhance their natural sweetness.”
complex
“While traditional balsamic vinegar is aged for years in wooden barrels, many modern recipes use a cheaper, quicker-to-produce version that still provides a similar tangy depth to the dish.”
Etymology
From balsam + -ic and French balsamique. Doublet of balsamico and balmy.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.