Definition

1. Noun:
   • An edible subterranean fungus: A type of highly prized, aromatic fungus that grows underground, typically near the roots of certain trees like oaks and hazels. It is used as a gourmet food ingredient.
   • A creamy chocolate candy: A soft, round candy made from a chocolate mixture (often ganache), typically coated in cocoa powder, nuts, or chocolate.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Fungus):
  • The chef shaved fresh black truffle over the pasta.
  • Truffle hunting with trained dogs is a traditional practice in parts of Europe.
• Noun (Candy):
  • She bought a box of chocolate truffles for dessert.
  • This recipe teaches you how to make simple cocoa-dusted truffles.

Advanced Usage

• "Truffle oil": An oil infused with the aroma of truffles, used to flavor dishes.
  • Drizzle a little truffle oil over the risotto before serving.
• "Truffle hunter": A person (or animal) who searches for wild truffles.
  • The truffle hunter and his dog set out at dawn.

Variants and Related Words

• Truffled (adj): Flavored or cooked with truffles.
  • The menu featured truffled mashed potatoes.
• Scientific names: (black truffle), (white truffle).

Synonyms

• Fungus: (for the edible type) underground fungus, .
• Candy: (for the chocolate type) chocolate confection, bonbon.

Related Phrases

• "Truffle shuffle": (Informal, pop culture) A humorous dance move from the film .
• "Truffle butter": A compound butter mixed with truffles or truffle flavoring.

Notes on Different Meanings

The two primary meanings of "truffle" are distinct: 1. The culinary fungus is a natural, foraged product known for its intense aroma and is often used sparingly in fine dining. 2. The chocolate candy is named for its visual resemblance to the lumpy, irregular shape of the wild fungus.

Noun

1. creamy chocolate candy
2. edible subterranean fungus of the genus Tuber
3. any of various highly prized edible subterranean fungi of the genus Tuber; grow naturally in southwestern Europe