marinate
marinate Lexical Profile
marinate Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To soak food, such as meat, fish, or vegetables, in a seasoned liquid mixture before cooking in order to flavor or tenderize it.
"The chef likes to marinate the chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic for several hours before grilling."
To remain or dwell in a particular state, environment, or thought so that an idea or feeling can develop fully (used figuratively and informally).
"Let that proposal marinate for a few days before we make a final decision at the board meeting."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse the verb 'marinate' (the action of soaking food in a seasoned liquid) with the noun 'marinade' (the seasoned liquid mixture itself).
• Rhymes for marinate
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the mid-17th century from French mariner or Italian marinare ('to pickle in sea-brine'), ultimately from Latin marinus ('of the sea'), from mare ('sea').