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biga

American  
[bee-gah, -guh, bahy-] / ˈbi gɑ, -gə, ˈbaɪ- /

noun

Classical Antiquity.

plural

bigae
  1. a two-wheeled chariot drawn by two horses harnessed abreast.


Etymology

Origin of biga

1840–50; < Latin bīga, bīgae, for *biiuga ( bi- bi- 1 + iug ( um ) yoke 1 + -a feminine nominative singular ending)

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A biga is an Italian-style preferment typically left for around 12 hours to ripen, bringing additional flavor and textural benefits to the final dough.

From Salon • Jul. 7, 2021

Commonly, ciabatta is leavened with instant yeast, usually mixed up as a biga.

From Salon • Jul. 7, 2021

The pies — their crusts flavored with a touch of biga, the slightly fermented starter — are worth a visit to Stellina all by themselves.

From Washington Post • Dec. 20, 2019

Add 1½ cups of the biga to the yeast mixture and mix with your fingers for one to two minutes to break it up.

From Slate • Apr. 15, 2013

The biga itself consists of a seat resting on the axle, with a rail at each side to protect the driver from the wheels.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 5, Slice 8 "Chariot" to "Chatelaine" by Various