How Do You Spell SCOVILLE?

Pronunciation: [skˈɒvɪl] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "scoville" is unique and can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription. The correct pronunciation is /ˈskoʊvɪl/, with the stress on the second syllable. The "s" is pronounced as "sk", which is followed by the "o" sound as in "go". The next syllable is pronounced with the "v" sound, followed by the "i" sound as in "gift", and finally, the "l" sound. "Scoville" is also the last name of American pharmacist Wilbur Scoville, who developed the Scoville scale for measuring the pungency of chili peppers.

SCOVILLE Meaning and Definition

1. Scoville can be defined as a unit of measurement used to quantify the heat level of a pepper or chili pepper product. Named after the American pharmacist Wilbur L. Scoville, who developed the Scoville Organoleptic Test in 1912, this measurement scale ranks peppers based on their capsaicin content, the chemical responsible for the sensation of spiciness.

   The Scoville scale measures the concentration of capsaicinoids in a pepper by assessing the level of heat perceived by human taste buds. The test involves extracting the capsaicinoids from the pepper and diluting it in sugar water until the heat is undetectable to a panel of taste testers. The number of dilutions required to reach this point then determines the pepper's Scoville rating.

   For example, a bell pepper, which lacks capsaicin, would have a Scoville rating of zero, while the Carolina Reaper, one of the world's hottest peppers, can reach an astounding 2.2 million Scoville Heat Units (SHU). Thus, a higher Scoville rating indicates a greater concentration of capsaicinoids and a more intense heat sensation when consumed.

   Scoville ratings serve as a guide to inform consumers about the spiciness of chili peppers and pepper-based products, such as hot sauces or chili powders. This allows individuals to gauge the heat level they are comfortable with or prefer when choosing peppers for cooking or incorporating spicy flavors into their meals.

Etymology of SCOVILLE

The word "scoville" is derived from the name of its creator, Wilbur Scoville. Wilbur Scoville was an American pharmacist who developed the Scoville Organoleptic Test in 1912. This test is used to measure the heat or spiciness of chili peppers and other spicy foods. The Scoville scale, which is used to quantify the pungency of chili peppers, was named after Wilbur Scoville in recognition of his contribution to the field.

Similar spelling words for SCOVILLE

• Schofield,
• Scovel,
• scovil,
• scovell.