Flour
/flaʊər/noun
A fine powder made by grinding grains, typically wheat, used in baking and cooking.
Did you know?In Middle English, 'flour' originally referred to the finest part of the meal, symbolizing purity and quality, much like the concept of 'the cream rising to the top.'
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bhel-
“to swell or inflate, which reflects growth and abundance.”
Latin
Latin
flos
“flower, blossom, symbolizing beauty and growth.”
Old French
Old French
flour
“the finest part of the meal, often used in baking.”
Middle English
Middle English
flour
“the fine powder made from ground grain, especially wheat.”
Modern English
English
flour
“the powder used in bread, cakes, and various dishes.”