Overcook - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
To overcook means to cook food for too long or at too high a temperature, making it dry, tough, or less flavorful. It often results in a loss of texture and nutritional value.
Definition:
To cook food for too long, making it dry or less tasty.
Synonyms:
overdo, burn, char
Part of Speech:
verb
Antonyms:
undercook, perfect
Common Collocations:
overcook vegetables, overcook meat, avoid overcooking
Derivatives:
overcooked, overcooking
Usage Tips:
Check food frequently to prevent overcooking and preserve texture and flavor.
Common Phrases:
don't overcook it, easily overcooked, tends to overcook
Etymology:
Derived from "over-" (excessively) + "cook" (prepare food with heat).
Examples:
- 1. She tends to overcook pasta until it's mushy.
- 2. Be careful not to overcook the steak; it should be medium-rare.
- 3. Overcooked vegetables lose their nutrients and vibrant color.
- 4. The rice was ruined because she forgot it and let it overcook.