Definition

A type of hydrogenated vegetable fat commonly used in cooking as a substitute for butter, especially in Indian cuisine.

Example

Many Indian households use vanaspati for frying and baking.

Conversation

I tried cooking with vanaspati yesterday, and it turned out great!

Really? I've heard it's a good substitute for butter.

Yeah, it gives a rich flavor to the dishes.

I should give it a try sometime; I love experimenting with new ingredients.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Vanaspati originates from the Sanskrit word 'vana' (meaning forest) and 'spati' (meaning lord or master). The term refers to the lord of the forest, often used in the context of a type of hydrogenated vegetable oil in South Asian cuisine.

Memory Tip

Think of 'vana' meaning forest and 'spati' meaning lord — this helps you remember that 'vanaspati' refers to a type of oil that is often associated with the natural world.

Visually Confused Words