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popcorn

n. · v.
US //ˈpɑpˌkɔɹn// UK //pˈɒpkɔːn// pop·corn
  1. 1 the snack food (n.)
    A1 Beginner Cooking

    a snack made by heating corn kernels until they burst open.

    a snack food consisting of maize kernels that have been expanded through dry heating. Uncountable when referring to the food generally.

    Example

    We bought a large bucket of salted popcorn to share during the movie.

    Example

    The aroma of freshly buttered popcorn permeated the cinema lobby, enticing patrons as they queued for the evening screening.

  2. 2 the plant variety (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Science

    a specific type of corn with a hard shell that is good for popping.

    a variety of flint corn (Zea mays everta) characterized by a hard endosperm that explodes when heated.

    Example

    The farmer decided to grow popcorn this year instead of sweet corn.

    Example

    Popcorn requires a specific moisture content within the hull to ensure the internal pressure builds sufficiently for a successful pop.

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  1. 3 watching drama (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal Humorous Slang

    entertainment you get from watching other people argue or have drama.

    a metaphorical reference to the act of observing a public dispute or dramatic event for personal amusement, as if watching a film.

    Example

    When the two celebrities started arguing on Twitter, I just sat back with my popcorn.

    Example

    As the political debate descended into personal insults, social media users joked about grabbing their popcorn to watch the chaos unfold.

    Usage

    Often used in the phrase 'get the popcorn' or 'grab the popcorn'.
  2. 4 to jump or pop up (v.)
    C1 Advanced Informal

    to jump or move up quickly and repeatedly.

    to move, jump, or appear in a rapid, sporadic fashion reminiscent of kernels bursting.

    Example

    The happy puppies were popcorned around the room when their owner came home.

    Example

    The children began to popcorn with excitement as the performer finally took the stage after the long delay.
Origin

Short for popped corn. By surface analysis, pop + corn.

Idioms2 entries

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