Definition

The fat found in milk that is used to make butter, mainly made up of different types of fats called glycerides.

Example

The cream had a high butterfat content, making it perfect for making rich butter.

Conversation

Have you ever wondered how much butterfat is in whole milk?

I think it's quite a bit, right?

Yeah, I heard it's what makes it so creamy and rich.

Exactly! That's why I love using it in my recipes.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Butterfat is formed from "butter" (from Old English *butter*, meaning a dairy product made from cream) and "fat" (from Old English *fǣtt*, meaning substance that is greasy or oily). The word "butterfat" refers to the fatty component found in butter, which contributes to its richness and flavor.

Memory Tip

Think of 'butter' as a creamy dairy product and 'fat' as the greasy substance that makes it rich. This helps you remember that butterfat is the fatty part of butter.

Visually Confused Words