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dairy

n. C / U
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //ˈdɛɹi// UK //dˈeəɹi// dairy General-service Slang Vulgar

n. food products that are made from milk, such as cheese, butter, and yogurt. You also use this word to describe the place where these products are made or sold.

n. food products derived from the milk of mammals, primarily cattle, goats, and sheep. Also refers to a building or establishment where milk is processed or where milk products are manufactured and sold.


SIMPLE

I need to buy some dairy products like milk and cheese.

CONTEXTUAL

Many people choose to avoid dairy because they are lactose intolerant or follow a vegan diet.

COMPLEX

The local dairy has expanded its operations to include artisanal cheeses and organic yogurts, catering to the growing consumer demand for locally sourced agricultural products.

Origin

Inherited from Middle English deyerie (“dairy, dairy farm”), from Anglo-Norman deyerie (“dairy”), from deye (“dairymaid”) + -erie (“-ery”); by surface analysis, dey (“dairymaid”) + -ry. Cognate with Scots dery, dyrie.

Usage

Uncountable when referring to the food group in general; countable when referring to specific processing facilities or companies.

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