yolk

[yohk, yohlk]

noun

1. the yellow and principal substance of an egg, as distinguished from the white.

2. Embryology.,  the part of the contents of the egg of an animal that enters directly into the formation of the embryo, together with any material that nourishes the embryo during its formation.

3. the essential part; the inner core.

4. a natural grease exuded from the skin of sheep.

yolk

/ jəʊk /

noun

1. the substance in an animal ovum consisting of protein and fat that nourishes the developing embryo

2. a greasy substance secreted by the skin of a sheep and present in the fleece

yolk

1. The yellow internal part of the egg of a bird or reptile. The yolk is surrounded by the albumen and supplies food to the developing young.

Other Word Forms

• yolked adjective
• yolkless adjective
• yolky adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of yolk¹

before 1000; Middle English yolke, yelke, Old English geoloca, derivative of geolu yellow

Word History and Origins

Origin of yolk¹

Old English geoloca, from geolu _yellow

Example Sentences

A few eggs with fat, golden yolks whipped until airy.

From Salon

Every bite is a mash-up of textures and flavors — rich, tangy, savory, with a touch of runny yolk magic, which doubles as the “sauce” here.

From Salon

One of my favorite lazy breakfasts, picked up from childhood summers in the Carolinas, was a bowl of cheesy grits topped with tomato gravy and a lush, freshly burst egg yolk.

From Salon

“You don’t have to mess with removing the yolks, mixing them with mayo and mustard and then piping it back into the egg white.”

From Salon

It gives me the most control, and that matters when you’re coaxing egg yolks into something glossy and stable.

From Salon