SPICY Meaning and
Definition
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Spicy is an adjective used to describe a food or substance that has a strong, pungent, or hot taste, typically due to the presence of various spices or seasonings. It refers to the sensation of heat or a tingling sensation experienced on the tongue or in the mouth upon consumption.
A characteristic of spicy foods is the presence of capsaicin, a compound found in chili peppers, which triggers the receptors in our taste buds responsible for sensing and transmitting heat. However, it is important to note that the degree of spiciness can vary significantly depending on the type and amount of spices or hot ingredients used in a dish.
Spicy flavors can also result from the addition of various aromatic substances, such as black pepper, ginger, garlic, or mustard, which enhance the taste profile and provide a distinct piquancy to a dish. These spices are often associated with cultures or cuisines known for their bold and flavorful dishes, such as Indian, Thai, or Mexican cuisine.
The spiciness of a food can evoke a range of sensory experiences, including sweating, increased heart rate, and a feeling of warmth within the body. Some individuals have a higher tolerance for spiciness, while others may find it overwhelming or uncomfortable. Spicy foods are often chosen for their ability to add an exciting and intense flavor to a meal, but they can also be tempered or balanced with other ingredients to achieve a desired level of heat.
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• Fragrant; aromatic; smart; showy; piquant.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for SPICY *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for SPICY
Etymology of SPICY
The word "spicy" originated from the Middle English word "spyce", which came from the Old French word "espice". This word ultimately stems from the Latin word "species", meaning "kind" or "sort". It initially referred to spices, which were highly valued and used in cooking to add flavor and pungency to food. Over time, "spicy" came to describe food that was seasoned with or contained a significant amount of spices. Eventually, it broadened in meaning to include anything that had a strong and pungent flavor, particularly in terms of heat or tanginess.
Similar spelling words for SPICY
- spec,
- space,
- spacy,
- spiky,
- speck,
- spock,
- Spece,
- specs,
- spice,
- spica,
- spic,
- specie,
- spooky,
- spacey,
- spick.
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