The word "microplane" is spelled with the prefix "micro-", meaning small, and the word "plane", meaning a flat surface. The correct pronunciation is /ˈmaɪkroʊpleɪn/, with the stress on the first syllable. The phonetic transcription shows that the first syllable is pronounced as "my-kroh", with a short "i" sound and a slightly elongated "o". The second syllable is pronounced as "playn", with a long "a" sound and a soft "n". This spelling accurately represents the meaning and pronunciation of the word.
A microplane is a kitchen tool consisting of a long, narrow, and flat grater with numerous tiny, sharp, and ultra-fine stainless steel or cross-cutting blades. Designed to grate food items with exceptional precision, the microplane produces very fine shavings, threads, or powders. Its unparalleled cutting capabilities make it a versatile kitchen instrument used predominantly for grating and zesting a variety of ingredients.
Microplanes are widely utilized to grate hard cheeses like Parmesan, nutmeg, ginger, truffles, cinnamon, chocolate, garlic, citruses, and vegetables such as carrots and zucchini. Its exceedingly fine blades are crafted to cut rather than tear or shred-off smaller bits protecting delicate aromas, flavors, and textures of the original ingredients.
Microplanes have emerged as invaluable culinary tools due to their ability to enhance the dishes' overall taste, presentation, and texture. They offer greater control and precision while grating, allowing chefs and home cooks to achieve consistently uniform results. Additionally, they have become favored gadgets for professional chefs and home cooks alike, enabling effortless zesting and grating tasks.
With its long and thin design, a microplane can be handheld or placed on a flat surface to aid in the grating process. It is often equipped with a non-slip grip, ensuring a secure and stable grip during use.
Overall, a microplane is a highly effective and sought-after kitchen utensil that has revolutionized the grating and zesting experience, unleashing the full potential and flavors of a wide range of ingredients.
The word "microplane" is a combination of two parts: "micro" and "plane".
The term "micro" comes from the Greek word "mikros", which means small. In English, "micro" is used as a prefix to indicate something very small or on a microscopic scale.
The word "plane" in this context refers to a tool used for shaping or smoothing surfaces, often made of metal with a sharp edge. It comes from the Middle English word "plen" or "plen(e)", which had the meaning of to make smooth or level.
Combining these two parts, "microplane" essentially means a small or miniature version of a plane-like tool used for finer shaping or smoothing tasks.