Rice paper is a thin, translucent paper made from rice straw or plants. The spelling of "rice paper" in IPA phonetic transcription is /raɪs ˈpeɪpər/. The first syllable, "rice," is pronounced as "raɪs," with the "ai" diphthong pronounced as a single vowel. The second syllable, "paper," is pronounced as "ˈpeɪpər," with the stress on the first syllable and the "a" pronounced as a short vowel sound. The spelling of this word accurately represents its pronunciation, making it easy to understand and pronounce.
Rice paper refers to a thin, delicate, and translucent paper-like material that is traditionally made from a combination of rice starch, water, and other natural plant fibers. It is widely used in various artistic, culinary, and decorative applications. The term "rice paper" can also refer to the edible wrappers typically used in Asian cuisine, which are commonly made from rice flour and water.
In artistic practices, rice paper is highly regarded for its ability to withstand ink and watercolor applications. It has been used throughout history in traditional East Asian art forms such as ink wash painting, calligraphy, and sumi-e. The inherent translucency of rice paper allows artists to convey depth, layering, and light in their works, resulting in ethereal and delicate creations.
Culinary rice paper, on the other hand, is primarily used to make spring rolls and summer rolls in Asian cuisine. These thin, round sheets are typically soaked in water briefly to make them pliable, allowing them to be filled with various ingredients such as vegetables, meats, or seafood. Rice paper provides a light and delicate texture to the rolls, ensuring that the focus remains on the flavors and textures of the fillings.
Overall, rice paper is a versatile material that serves both artistic and culinary purposes. Its thinness, translucency, and pliability make it a cherished medium in various creative endeavors and a popular choice for those seeking to add authenticity and delicacy to their art or cuisine.
A paper prepared from the central portion of the stem of a certain plant, and brought from China,-it is not prepared from rice, as erroneously supposed.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "rice paper" has its origins in Asia, where it refers to a type of paper made from rice. The term is a combination of two words:
1. Rice: The word "rice" comes from the Old French word "ris", which in turn stems from the Latin word "oryza", derived from the Greek word "oruza". The Greek word itself is believed to have origins in the Persian or Arabic languages.
2. Paper: The word "paper" originates from the Latin word "papyrus", which refers to the plant used to make an early form of paper in ancient Egypt. This Latin word was later adopted into various languages, including Old French, where it became "papier".
The combination of "rice" and "paper" in the phrase "rice paper" describes the material used to make thin, translucent sheets used for writing, painting, and other artistic purposes in Asia.