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Calamari - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Calamari is a culinary term for squid, often prepared by frying or grilling. It is commonly served as an appetizer, featuring tender rings or tentacles with a mild seafood flavor.

calamari

/kəˈlɑːməri/ /kəˈlæməri/

Definition:

Squid prepared as food, often fried or grilled.

Synonyms:

squid, seafood, mollusk, octopus

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

(No direct antonyms; contextually) vegetables, land animals

Common Collocations:

fried calamari, calamari rings, grilled calamari, calamari salad

Derivatives:

calamaries (rare plural), calamarian (rare adjective)

Usage Tips:

Use 'calamari' when referring to cooked squid dishes, not live squid.

Common Phrases:

crispy calamari, calamari appetizer, lemon-drizzled calamari

Etymology:

From Italian 'calamaro,' from Latin 'calamarium,' meaning 'pen case' (due to squid's shape).

Examples:

  • 1. We ordered fried calamari as an appetizer.
  • 2. The restaurant serves the best grilled calamari in town.
  • 3. She prefers calamari over other seafood options.
  • 4. Calamari rings are often served with marinara sauce.

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