marmite

[mahr-mahyt, mahr-meet]

noun

a metal or earthenware cooking pot with a cover, usually large and often having legs.

Origin of marmite

1795–1805; < French, Middle French, apparently equivalent to mar(m)-, base of marmotter to mutter, murmur (see marmot) + mite expressive word for a cat; probably originally a jocular or nursery word, a deep, covered pot being thought of as secretive and hence catlike in comparison to an open pan; compare Old French marmite hypocritical

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for marmite

Historical Examples of marmite

His mistress gone, the pot ceases to boil; in fact, he calls her his marmite.
An Englishman in Paris
Albert D. (Albert Dresden) Vandam
A marmite fell a few steps away, covering us with dirt—I see my comrade stagger, struck on the head with a large mass.
A Blue Devil of France
G. P. Capart
If a richer soup is required add two teaspoonfuls of Nuto-Cream or Marmite just before serving.
A Comprehensive Guide-Book to Natural, Hygienic and Humane Diet
Sydney H. Beard
At serving time, add a good teaspoonful of Nutril, Wintox or Marmite.
A Comprehensive Guide-Book to Natural, Hygienic and Humane Diet
Sydney H. Beard
Put a teaspoon of Marmite into a pint of boiling water, season with pepper and salt, thicken with a little browned flour.
A Comprehensive Guide-Book to Natural, Hygienic and Humane Diet
Sydney H. Beard

British Dictionary definitions for marmite

marmite

noun

a large cooking pot
soup cooked in such a pot
an individual covered casserole for serving soup
US military a container used to bring food to troops in the field

Word Origin for marmite

from French: pot

Marmite

noun

trademark British a yeast and vegetable extract used as a spread, flavouring, etc

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012