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quenelle

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /kwəˈnɛl/

KK: /kwɛˈnɛl/

noun
Definition

A type of dumpling made from finely chopped meat or seafood, mixed with eggs, and usually poached in liquid.


Example

The chef prepared a delicious quenelle of pike served with a creamy sauce.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever tried a quenelle?
Sloth B
No, I haven't! What is it exactly?
Sloth A
It's a type of dumpling made from finely chopped meat or seafood, usually poached.
Sloth B
That sounds interesting! I would love to try a quenelle sometime.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
dumpling
ball
morsel
Antonyms
solid
chunk
piece
Root Explanation

Quenelle → The word originates from French, where it refers to a type of dumpling or a mixture of meat or fish that is shaped into an oval form. The term is derived from the Old French word 'kenel', meaning a spoon or a small ball, which reflects the shape of the dish.

Memory Tip

Imagine a small 'spoon' ('kenel') used to shape a delicious dumpling — that's how you can remember that a 'quenelle' is a type of dumpling.

Visually Confused Words
queller
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