Definition

A tool or substance used to make meat softer and easier to chew.

Example

She used a meat tenderizer to prepare the steak for dinner.

Conversation

I just bought a new tenderizer for the steaks.

That sounds great! Does it really make a difference?

Yeah, it helps break down the fibers in the meat.

I should get one too; I love tender steaks!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Tenderizer → It is formed from "tender" (from Old French *tendre*, meaning soft or delicate) and "-izer" (a suffix used to indicate a person or thing that performs a specific action). The word "tenderizer" refers to a tool or substance that makes meat softer or more tender.

Memory Tip

Think of something that makes meat 'soft' ('tender') — the '-izer' means it performs that action. A tenderizer is something that softens meat.

Visually Confused Words