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definitions

yolk

[yohk, yohlk]

noun

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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Nearby words

  1. yokozuna,
  2. yokuts,
  3. yolanda,
  4. yolande,
  5. yoldring,
  6. yolk membrane,
  7. yolk sac,
  8. yolk stalk,
  9. yolk-sac tumor,
  10. yolo
Also yoke.

Origin of yolk

before 1000; Middle English yolke, yelke, Old English geoloca, derivative of geolu yellow
Related formsyolked, adjectiveyolk·less, adjectiveyolk·y, adjective
Can be confusedyoke yolk
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
British Dictionary definitions for yolked

yolk

noun

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
Derived Formsyolkless, adjectiveyolky, adjective

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 Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
Medicine definitions for yolked

yolk

[yōk]

n.

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.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Science definitions for yolked

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.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.