grated cheese
Definition
Noun: Cheese that has been reduced to small shreds or particles by rubbing it against a grater.
Usage
This term refers specifically to cheese in a shredded form, typically used as a topping, ingredient, or garnish. It describes the physical state of the cheese after the grating process.
Examples
- Please sprinkle some grated cheese on top of the pasta.
- The recipe calls for one cup of grated cheese.
- I bought a container of grated cheese for the tacos.
Advanced Usage
- As a mass noun: "Grated cheese" is typically used as an uncountable noun referring to the substance in bulk (e.g., "Add grated cheese"). It can be quantified (e.g., "a cup of grated cheese").
- Implied preparation: The term often implies the cheese was grated shortly before use for optimal flavor and texture, distinguishing it from pre-packaged shredded cheese, which may contain anti-caking agents.
Variants and Related Words
- Shredded cheese: A similar form where cheese is cut into thin strips rather than fine particles. While often used interchangeably in casual contexts, "shredded" and "grated" can indicate different textures.
- Cheese grater (n): The tool used to produce grated cheese.
- To grate (v): The action of reducing cheese (or other foods) into small pieces using a grater.
Synonyms
- Shredded cheese (note: subtle texture difference)
- Cheese shreds
Antonyms
- Cheese block
- Cheese slice
- Cheese wheel
Noun
-
hard or semihard cheese grated
