Dictionary.com
definitions
  • synonyms

kefir

[kuh-feer]
Middle Eastern Cookery.
  1. a tart-tasting drink originally of the Caucasus, made from cow's or sometimes goat's milk to which the bacteria Streptococcus and Lactobacillus have been added.
Show More

Origin of kefir

1880–85; < Russian kefír, apparently < a Caucasian language; compare Ossetic kʾæpy, kʾæpu kefir, Mingrelian kipuri milk curdled in an animal skin
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for kefir

Historical Examples

  • Several alcoholic drinks made from milk, such as kefir and koumiss, have been originated among the nomadic tribes of Western Asia.

    Outlines of dairy bacteriology

    H. L. Russell

  • Koumiss is made in Russia from mare's milk and has much the same composition as kefir.

  • In koumiss and kefir the curd is very finely divided and will remain in suspension for a long time as with butter milk.