amido di mais
/ˈa.mi.do di ˈmajs/word by word
The English phrase "corn starch" is amido di mais in Italian.
amido di mais refers to the fine, white powder made from corn that is used in cooking to thicken soups and sauces.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of amido (starch) and di mais (of corn).
Which one should you use?
amido di mais and Amido di granturco are both standard ways to refer to the ingredient, while Maizena is an informal term.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈa.mi.do di ˈmajs/. It has 4 syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The alternative Italian term granturco for corn literally means 'Turkish grain' because people historically believed the crop arrived from the East.
- The word amido comes from the Ancient Greek ἄμυλον, which describes something that is not ground by a mill.
- The word amido is also a scientific term used in biology to describe the starch molecule, meaning the kitchen ingredient and the chemical substance are identical in name.
Examples in context
- Dov'è l'amido di mais?Where is the corn starch?
- aggiungere l'amido di maisAdd the corn starch
- usare maizenaUse corn starch
- Hai dell'amido di mais in dispensa?Do you have some corn starch in the pantry?
- Usa l'amido di mais per addensare la crema.Use the corn starch to thicken the cream.
- Mi serve un cucchiaio di amido di mais.I need a spoonful of corn starch.
Example conversation
Alessandro and Sofia are cooking dinner together in the kitchen.
- AlessandroLa crema è troppo liquida, Sofia.The cream is too runny, Sofia.
- SofiaPossiamo usare l'amido di mais per addensarla.We can use corn starch to thicken it.
- AlessandroDove si trova l'amido di mais?Where is the corn starch?
- SofiaÈ nel mobiletto della dispensa, Alessandro.It is in the pantry cupboard, Alessandro.
