yolk
yolk Lexical Profile
yolk Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The yellow, internal part of a bird's egg, which is surrounded by the white (albumen) and serves as the primary source of nourishment for the developing embryo.
"The pastry recipe specifically requires you to separate the egg whites from the yolks before mixing the batter."
The corresponding nutrient-rich material in the ovum or egg of other animals, such as reptiles, fish, or invertebrates, that sustains the developing organism.
"In many fish species, the yolk is gradually absorbed by the newly hatched larvae over the course of several days."
Word Nuance & Usage
Frequently confused in spelling with its homophone 'yoke' (a wooden beam used for draft animals or a burden), which sounds identical but has a completely unrelated meaning.
• Rhymes for yolk
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English 'yolke', derived from Old English 'geoloca' or 'geolca', which stems from the adjective 'geolu', meaning 'yellow'.