flour
- 01 A2 Elementary
n.a fine white or brown powder made from grain, used to make bread, cakes, and pasta.
n.a fine powder obtained by milling cereal grains, typically wheat, used as the primary structural ingredient in baking and confectionery.
Simple“Sift the flour into a large bowl before adding the eggs and milk.”
In context“The recipe calls for strong bread flour, which has a higher protein content necessary for developing a chewy texture in the crust.”
UsageUsually uncountable, but can be countable when referring to specific varieties or brands.
PitfallI need two flours for the cake. I need two bags of flour for the cake.Flour is usually uncountable. Use 'bags of' or 'grams of' to count it, unless referring to different types of flour.
Synonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to put a thin layer of flour on a surface or on food so it does not stick.
v.to coat a surface, utensil, or food item with a thin layer of flour to prevent adhesion during preparation.
Simple“Lightly flour the work surface before you start rolling out the dough.”
In context“After chilling the pastry, flour the rolling pin thoroughly to ensure the delicate dough does not tear while being flattened.”
UsageTransitive verb that always takes a direct object.
- 03 C2 Proficiency
n.any very fine powder made by grinding a solid material.
n.a fine powder produced by the grinding of any soft or crystalline substance.
Simple“The machine grinds the wood into a fine flour used for making composite boards.”
In context“The industrial process involves reducing the mineral to a fine flour before it can be effectively integrated into the chemical solution.”
Synonymsdustfine powder
Spelled (until about 1830) and meaning flower in the sense of flour being the "finest portion of ground grain" (compare French fleur de farine, fine fleur). Doublet of fleur, flor, and flower. Partially displaced native meal. The U.S. standard of identity comes from 21CFR137.105.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.