yolk
[yohk, yohlk]
- the yellow and principal substance of an egg, as distinguished from the white.
- 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.
- the essential part; the inner core.
- a natural grease exuded from the skin of sheep.
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Also yoke.
Origin of yolk
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
yolk
- the substance in an animal ovum consisting of protein and fat that nourishes the developing embryoRelated adjective: vitelline
- a greasy substance secreted by the skin of a sheep and present in the fleece
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Word Origin for yolk
Old English geoloca, from geolu yellow
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for yolked
yolk
Old English geolca, geoloca "yolk," literally "the yellow part," from geolu "yellow" (see yellow). Formerly also spelled yelk.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
yolk
(yōk)- The portion of the egg of an animal that consists of protein and fat from which the early embryo gets its main nourishment and of protoplasmic substances from which the embryo develops.
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The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
yolk
[yōk]
- 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.
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The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.