popcorn

/'pɔpkɔ:n/

Thân thiện

A child eats a bowl of popcorn while watching a movie.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of corn (maize) that expands and puffs up when heated: A specific variety of corn whose kernels have a hard, moisture-sealed hull and a starchy interior. When heated, the pressure from the steam inside causes the kernel to explode, turning it into a light, fluffy, edible snack.
   • The light, fluffy, white or yellow food produced by popping these kernels: The edible result of the popping process, often eaten as a snack, typically salted or sweetened.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • We bought a large bucket of popcorn at the movie theater.
  • The sound of popcorn popping in the microwave is very distinctive.
  • She prefers her popcorn with just a little bit of salt.

Advanced Usage

• "Popcorn movie" or "popcorn flick": An informal term for a light, entertaining, and often action-packed film that is enjoyable to watch, especially with popcorn.
  • That summer blockbuster is a perfect popcorn movie—lots of explosions and fun.
• "Popcorn brain": A humorous, informal term describing a feeling of mental fogginess or scattered thoughts.
  • I have popcorn brain today; I can't focus on anything.

Variants and Related Words

• Pop (verb): The action of making popcorn. "To pop corn."
  • I will pop some corn for our snack.
• Popped corn: Another way to refer to the finished snack.
  • The bowl was filled with freshly popped corn.

Synonyms

• Puffed corn: A less common synonym emphasizing the texture.
• Popped maize: A more formal or technical term.

Related Phrases

• "Like popcorn": A simile used to describe things happening rapidly, randomly, or in quick succession.
  • Questions were popping up like popcorn during the Q&A session.

Học thuật

Noun

1. small kernels of corn exploded by heat
2. corn having small ears and kernels that burst when exposed to dry heat

Từ đồng nghĩa

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