food
What stomachs want
Food is what living things eat to sustain themselves—any substance that provides nourishment when consumed.
The word covers everything from raw ingredients to prepared meals: We need to pick up food for the week, The food at that restaurant is excellent.
Food extends metaphorically to anything that sustains or stimulates: food for thought, food for the soul.
As a modifier, it describes things related to eating: food chain, food poisoning, food court.
Food that sustains life
- survivalRemaining alive against odds
- provisionsStockpiled food and supplies
- rationsControlled food portions
- stapleBasic dietary necessity
subsistence · sustenance · edibles · victuals · fare · grub · meals · bread
Science of fine dining
- culinaryRelated to cooking
- recipeCooking preparation instructions
- regionalRelating to an area
- traditionalFollowing long-held customs
ethnic · fusion · gourmet · savory · chef · restaurant · bistro · cookery
Measures of food energy
- carbohydratesSugar-based energy compounds
- proteinsAmino acid polymers
- fatsOily organic nutrients
- vitaminsEssential organic nutrients
minerals · fiber · nutrients · macronutrients · micronutrients · antioxidants · omega-3 · cholesterol
Custom passed through generations
- heritageInherited cultural legacy
- customsTraditional practices or import taxes
- ritualsCeremonial repeated practices
- taboosSocially proscribed practices
festivals · markets · agriculture · harvest · ceremonies · offerings · fasting · feasting
Flavor perception ability
- savoryAppetizing, not sweet
- sweetTasting of sugar
- sourSharp, biting taste
- bitterSharp, unpleasant taste
umami · spicy · tangy · aromatic · pungent · zesty · herbal · smoky
Prepared at one's residence
- heartyWarm and substantial
- soothingReducing distress or discomfort
- satisfyingProducing fulfillment or pleasure
- indulgentToo willing to yield
nostalgic · macaroni · casserole · stew · soup · meatloaf · gravy · biscuits
Cultivated agricultural plants
- agricultureCultivation of land, livestock
- reapingCutting crops for collection
- gleaningCollecting leftover grain
- orchardFruit tree plantation
vineyard · grain · produce · bounty · autumn · farmers · fields · threshing
Flat dish for food
- bowlConcave food container
- forkTined eating tool
- knifeSharp cutting utensil
- spoonEating utensil for liquids
chopsticks · napkin · tablecloth · platter · glassware · cup · saucer · tureen
Elaborate ceremonial meal
- banquetFormal celebratory meal
- potluckCommunal meal, shared contributions
- barbecueSlow-cook over coals
- picnicOutdoor casual meal
buffet · smorgasbord · reception · gala · fete · communion · gathering · holiday
Cellular nutrient conversion
- intestineDigestive tract organ
- esophagusFood tube to stomach
- stomachDigestive organ below chest
- enzymesReaction-speeding proteins
absorption · mastication · bile · gut · microbiome · peristalsis · satiety · hunger
Connoisseur of sensual pleasures
- artisanalMade by skilled craftspeople
- connoisseurExpert in matters of taste
- delicacyRefined sensitivity or rarity
- trufflePrized subterranean edible
caviar · sashimi · charcuterie · degustation · sommelier · Michelin · farm-to-table · sous-vide
nourishment
Food that sustains life
- survivalRemaining alive against odds
- provisionsStockpiled food and supplies
- rationsControlled food portions
staple · subsistence · sustenance · edibles · victuals · fare · grub · meals · bread · rice
gastronomy
Science of fine dining
traditional · ethnic · fusion · gourmet · savory · chef · restaurant · bistro · cookery · dish
calories
Measures of food energy
- carbohydratesSugar-based energy compounds
- proteinsAmino acid polymers
- fatsOily organic nutrients
vitamins · minerals · fiber · nutrients · macronutrients · micronutrients · antioxidants · omega-3 · cholesterol · glucose
tradition
Custom passed through generations
- heritageInherited cultural legacy
- customsTraditional practices or import taxes
- ritualsCeremonial repeated practices
taboos · festivals · markets · agriculture · harvest · ceremonies · offerings · fasting · feasting · hospitality
taste
Flavor perception ability
bitter · umami · spicy · tangy · aromatic · pungent · zesty · herbal · smoky · earthy
homemade
Prepared at one's residence
- heartyWarm and substantial
- soothingReducing distress or discomfort
- satisfyingProducing fulfillment or pleasure
indulgent · nostalgic · macaroni · casserole · stew · soup · meatloaf · gravy · biscuits · porridge
crop
Cultivated agricultural plants
- agricultureCultivation of land, livestock
- reapingCutting crops for collection
- gleaningCollecting leftover grain
orchard · vineyard · grain · produce · bounty · autumn · farmers · fields · threshing · seasonal
plate
Flat dish for food
spoon · chopsticks · napkin · tablecloth · platter · glassware · cup · saucer · tureen · charger
feast
Elaborate ceremonial meal
- banquetFormal celebratory meal
- potluckCommunal meal, shared contributions
- barbecueSlow-cook over coals
picnic · buffet · smorgasbord · reception · gala · fete · communion · gathering · holiday · thanksgiving
metabolism
Cellular nutrient conversion
enzymes · absorption · mastication · bile · gut · microbiome · peristalsis · satiety · hunger · bloating
epicurean
Connoisseur of sensual pleasures
- artisanalMade by skilled craftspeople
- connoisseurExpert in matters of taste
- delicacyRefined sensitivity or rarity
truffle · caviar · sashimi · charcuterie · degustation · sommelier · Michelin · farm-to-table · sous-vide · amuse-bouche
oven
Enclosed cooking chamber
spatula · tongs · skillet · grater · ladle · peeler · colander · blender · pot · pan
- culturemusic taste, beliefs, custom, festivals, art galleries
- diningrestaurant, menu, waiter, servers, waitress
- everyday lifedaily routine, routines, errands, chores, bills
- expensesexpenses, expense, expenditure, cost, costs
- goodsconsumer goods, groceries, clothing, electronics, beverages
- market goodsproduce, vegetables, fruits, fruit, groceries
foodpoison
Harmful ingested substance
toxin · venom · bane · pollutant · carcinogen
foodstarvation
Extreme nutritional deprivation
famine · hunger · deprivation · malnutrition · foodlessness
- fast foodSpeedy prepared meals
- baby foodNourishment for infants
- food poisoningSickness from contaminated eating
- junk foodLow-nutrition processed snacks
- food chainEcological feeding hierarchy
- free foodMeal at no charge
foods, seafood, foodie, fast food, bird food, junk food, foodstuff, dog food, finger food