Consomm

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A liquid dish, typically a clear soup, that is made by simmering meat, fish, or vegetables to extract flavors
2. A refined broth resulting from the careful boiling and clarification of meats, seafood, or vegetables for culinary purposes
3. A delicate and clear soup prepared by slow-cooking meats or vegetables, often served as a first course in a formal meal

Etymology: In French, "consommé" is the past participle of "consommer," meaning "to consume" or "to finish." The broth takes its name from the process: long simmering reduces the liquid and concentrates it until the stock is, in a sense, used up by the pot. The verb comes from Latin "consummare," "to sum up" or "to complete," built from "summa," meaning "sum" or "total," with the intensifying prefix "con-." English "consummate" descends from the same Latin root. Its verb sense meant to bring something to completion, and its adjective sense, meaning "perfect" or "complete," is still in use.

Synonyms: broth, stock, soup, liquid, potage