# yolk

/ˈjoʊk/ (US) · /jˈəʊk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/yolk
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. part of an egg

noun · CEFR B1

the yellow part in the center of an egg.

For teachers: the yellow, spherical part of an egg that contains nutrients for a developing embryo.

- He carefully separated the egg yolk from the white to make the cake.
- The recipe requires three large yolks beaten until pale, which provides the custard with its characteristic richness and golden hue.

### 2. sheep grease

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

the natural oil or grease found in a sheep's wool.

For teachers: the natural oily secretion, also known as lanolin, found in the fleece of sheep.

- Raw wool feels sticky because it is covered in natural yolk.
- Before the wool can be spun into fine yarn, the raw fleece must be scoured to remove the heavy accumulation of yolk and dirt.

## Examples

- She carefully separated the egg yolk from the white.
- The recipe calls for three large yolks to give the custard its rich, yellow color and smooth texture.
- While the white consists primarily of water and protein, the yolk contains the majority of the egg's fats, vitamins, and minerals, making it the most calorie-dense component.

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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.