First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1butter
noun but·ter \ˈbə-tər\
: a solid yellow substance made from milk or cream that is spread on food or used in cooking
: a food made from cooked fruit or roasted nuts that have been ground up
Full Definition of BUTTER
1
: a solid emulsion of fat globules, air, and water made by churning milk or cream and used as food
2
: a buttery substance: as a : any of various fatty oils remaining nearly solid at ordinary temperatures b : a creamy food spread; especially : one made of ground roasted nuts <peanut butter>
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Origin of BUTTER
Middle English, from Old English butere, from Latin butyrum, from Greek boutyron, from bous cow + tyros cheese; akin to Avestan tūiri- curds — more at cow
Related to BUTTER
- Synonyms
- adulation, blarney, flattery, flannel [British], incense, overpraise, soft soap, sweet talk, taffy
2butter
verb
: to spread or put butter on (something)
Full Definition of BUTTER
transitive verb
: to spread with or as if with butter
See butter defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of BUTTER
15th century
BUTTER[1] Defined for Kids
1butter
noun but·ter \ˈbə-tər\
Definition of BUTTER for Kids
1
: a solid yellowish fatty food obtained from cream or milk by churning
2
: a food that is made of cooked and crushed nuts or fruit and that can be spread <apple butter> <peanut butter>
2butter
verb
but·teredbut·ter·ing
Definition of BUTTER for Kids
: to spread with or as if with butter
Medical Dictionary
butter
noun but·ter \ˈbət-ər\
Medical Definition of BUTTER
1
: a solid emulsion of fat globules, air, and water made by churning milk or cream and used as food
2
: a buttery substance; especially : any of various fatty oils remaining nearly solid at ordinary temperatures
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