curd

[kurd]

noun

1. Often curds. a substance consisting mainly of casein and the like, obtained from milk by coagulation, and used as food or made into cheese.

2. any substance resembling this.

3. Also called curd cheese. Chiefly Northeastern and Southern U.S.,  cottage cheese.

4. the edible flower heads of cauliflower, broccoli, and similar plants.

verb (used with or without object)

1. to turn into curd; coagulate; congeal.

curd

/ kɜːd /

noun

1. (often plural) a substance formed from the coagulation of milk by acid or rennet, used in making cheese or eaten as a food

2. something similar in consistency

verb

1. to turn into or become curd

Other Word Forms

• uncurd verb (used with object)
• curdy adjective
• curdiness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of curd¹

1325–75; Middle English curden (v.), variant of crudden to crud, congeal; crowd ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of curd¹

C15: from earlier crud, of unknown origin

Example Sentences

Layers of crisp lemon wafer cookies, lemon zest–spiked whipped cream and a tangy smear of lemon curd between each tier.

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Wisconsin, land of cheese curds and brats and brandy Old Fashioneds.

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Zepeda tops it with mamey curd, brown butter almond cake, and a pinole crumble.

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So while “bean curd” isn’t necessarily the most appetizing name, the food itself is something to take notice of.

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Rennet, an enzyme naturally present in the stomachs of ruminants, would prompt the milk to coagulate, separating into curds and whey, thus laying the groundwork for modern cheese production.

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Related Words

• clotting www.thesaurus.com
• clump 
• lump