cream
Cream is the thick, fatty part of milk that rises to the top or is separated by a machine. It is commonly used in cooking, baking, and as a rich addition to beverages like coffee.
Examples
3 of 5I usually add a little cream to my coffee to make it taste smoother.
I usually add a little cream to my coffee to make it taste smoother.
The dessert was elegantly finished with a dollop of fresh whipped cream.
The dessert was elegantly finished with a dollop of fresh whipped cream.
Got any cream for these strawberries? They're a bit sour.
Got any cream for these strawberries? They're a bit sour.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of 'cream' as the 'dream' part of the milk—it's the richest and most delicious part that rises to the top.
Quick Quiz
Would you like a little ____ in your tea?
Correct!
The correct answer is: cream
Examples
I usually add a little cream to my coffee to make it taste smoother.
everydayI usually add a little cream to my coffee to make it taste smoother.
The dessert was elegantly finished with a dollop of fresh whipped cream.
formalThe dessert was elegantly finished with a dollop of fresh whipped cream.
Got any cream for these strawberries? They're a bit sour.
informalGot any cream for these strawberries? They're a bit sour.
The experiment required the separation of cream from the raw milk sample.
academicThe experiment required the separation of cream from the raw milk sample.
We need to analyze the market demand for low-fat cream alternatives this quarter.
businessWe need to analyze the market demand for low-fat cream alternatives this quarter.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
cream of the crop
the very best of a group
cream off
to take the best part of something
peaches and cream
a situation that is perfect or easy
Often Confused With
Crème is the French spelling often used in culinary contexts to sound more sophisticated, whereas cream is the standard English word.
A cream is usually thicker and more oil-based, while a lotion is more liquid and water-based.
Usage Notes
When referring to the food item, 'cream' is usually an uncountable noun. However, it can also refer to cosmetic products used on the skin.
Common Mistakes
Learners often try to pluralize 'cream' as 'creams' when talking about the food; use 'some cream' or 'a carton of cream' instead.
Memory Tip
Think of 'cream' as the 'dream' part of the milk—it's the richest and most delicious part that rises to the top.
Word Origin
Derived from the Old French 'cresme', which was a blend of Late Latin 'chrisma' (anointing oil) and 'crama' (cream).
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In British culture, 'clotted cream' is a traditional thick cream essential for an authentic afternoon cream tea.
Quick Quiz
Would you like a little ____ in your tea?
Correct!
The correct answer is: cream
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
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orange
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watermelon
A1A watermelon is a very large, round or oval fruit with a hard green skin and a sweet, watery red or pink interior. It is commonly eaten cold during the summer months and is known for its high water content and black seeds.
lemon
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peach
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