Definition

Having a dry, soft, and crumbly texture, often resembling meal or flour; can also refer to something that is pale or lacking in color.

Example

The mealy potatoes were perfect for making mashed potatoes.

Comparatives & Superlatives

Conversation

I tried that new recipe for mashed potatoes last night.

How did they turn out?

They were a bit too mealy for my taste, unfortunately.

Oh no! Maybe next time, use a different type of potato.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Mealy comes from the Old English 'meale' (meaning meal or flour), which refers to a powdery substance. The word 'mealy' describes something that has a texture resembling meal or flour, often used to describe certain types of food or surfaces that are dry and powdery.

Memory Tip

Think of 'meal' as a powdery substance, and remember that 'mealy' describes something that has a similar dry, powdery texture.

Visually Confused Words