# curing

/ˈkjʊɹɪŋ/ (US) · /kjˈɔːɹɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/curing
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

the process of preserving food like meat or fish using salt, smoke, or chemicals. It stops the food from going bad so you can keep it for a long time.

For teachers: the preservation of food, wood, or other materials through chemical or physical processes such as salting, smoking, or drying. Often involves the addition of nitrates or sugar to inhibit bacterial growth.

## Examples

- The curing of the ham takes several months.
- Traditional curing methods rely on heavy salting to draw moisture out of the fish and prevent spoilage.
- While modern refrigeration has reduced our reliance on food preservation, the artisanal curing of meats remains popular for the complex, concentrated flavors it develops over time.

## Usage notes

- Often functions as a gerund noun describing a technical or culinary process.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.