molasses

[muh-las-iz]

noun

1. a thick syrup produced during the refining of sugar or from sorghum, varying from light to dark brown in color.

molasses

/ məˈlæsɪz /

noun

1. the thick brown uncrystallized bitter syrup obtained from sugar during refining

2. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): treacle. a dark viscous syrup obtained during the refining of sugar

Word History and Origins

Origin of molasses¹

1575–85; earlier molassos, molasso ( e ) s < Portuguese melaços, plural of melaço (< Late Latin mellācium half-boiled new wine, for *mellāceum, neuter of *mellāceus honeylike, equivalent to mell-, stem of mel honey + -āceus -aceous )

Word History and Origins

Origin of molasses¹

C16: from Portuguese melaço, from Late Latin mellāceum must, from Latin mel honey

Example Sentences

The substance sticks to my lips like molasses and keeps my mouth shut.

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During my visit, a convention, limited valet, and general crowding from the adjacent stadium created a kind of urban molasses.

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Add spiced chickpeas, peppery arugula, a drizzle of pomegranate molasses — and suddenly, you’re not eating for fuel.

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Add unexpected flavors like ginger, sesame oil, yuzu or even pomegranate molasses.

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The classic pineapple-and-cherry garnish still has its fans, but today’s glazes go beyond tradition — honey, molasses, fruit preserves, hot sauces, vinegars.

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Related Words

• maple syrup