Confectioners

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. People or businesses who create or sell sweets and candies
2. Those who produce or retail sugary treats and confectionery items
3. Individuals or companies specializing in the crafting or sale of sweet edible products

Etymology: "Confectioners" is the plural of "confectioner," a noun formed from the verb "confect" (to prepare or make up a sweet or preserve) with the suffix "-er," meaning one who does something. The verb itself derives from the Latin "confectus," the past participle of "conficere," meaning "to make up, prepare, or complete," built from "com-" (together, thoroughly) and "facere" (to make). So a confectioner was originally simply a maker. The sense narrowed over time. "Confection" in English first covered any prepared mixture, including medicines and compounded remedies, before settling on sugared foods. Confectioners thus once overlapped with apothecaries, who also blended sweet preparations to disguise bitter drugs.

Synonyms: candy makers, pastry chefs