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Rancid - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Rancid describes something, usually food or oil, that has gone bad and has a strong, unpleasant smell or taste due to decomposition. It implies spoilage and disgust.

rancid

/ˈrænsɪd/ /ˈrænsɪd/

Definition:

Having a stale, unpleasant smell or taste due to decomposition or age, especially fats or oils.

Synonyms:

spoiled, rotten, foul, putrid

Part of Speech:

adjective

Antonyms:

fresh, pure

Common Collocations:

rancid butter, rancid oil, rancid smell

Derivatives:

rancidity, rancidness

Usage Tips:

Use "rancid" to describe spoiled fats or oils with a strong, unpleasant odor or taste.

Common Phrases:

turn rancid, smell rancid, go rancid

Etymology:

From Latin *rancidus*, meaning "stinking," from *rancēre* ("to stink").

Examples:

  • 1. The milk smelled rancid after being left out all day.
  • 2. She threw away the rancid butter without hesitation.
  • 3. The nuts tasted rancid because they were old.
  • 4. Avoid using rancid oil for cooking; it ruins the flavor.

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