comminuted
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /kəˈmɪn.juː.tɪd/
KK: /kəˈmɪn.juː.tɪd/
adjective
Definition
Broken down into very small pieces or particles, often as a result of crushing or grinding.
Example
The comminuted material was easier to mix into the recipe.
Conversation
Did you see how they comminuted the ingredients for that recipe?
Yeah, it looked like they crushed everything into tiny pieces!
I think that really enhances the flavor when things are comminuted like that.
Definitely! It makes everything blend together so much better.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
crushed
powdered
fragmented
Antonyms
whole
intact
unbroken
verb
Definition
To break something into smaller pieces or particles.
Example
The chef comminuted the vegetables to prepare the soup.
Tense Forms
Past: comminuted
Past Participle: comminuted
Conversation
Did you see how they comminuted the vegetables for the soup?
Yeah, it looked really delicious after they were done!
I think it helps the flavors mix better when they're comminuted like that.
Root Explanation
Comminuted is formed from "com-" (meaning together) and "minuere" (meaning to lessen or reduce). The word describes something that has been reduced into smaller parts or pieces, often used in a medical context to refer to broken bones that are shattered into multiple fragments.
Memory Tip
Think of 'together' ('com-') and 'lessening' ('minuere') to remember that 'comminuted' means something that has been reduced into smaller parts.
Visually Confused Words
uncomminuted
uncommuted