Pronunciation: [tˈɛndɪɹˌa͡ɪz] (IPA) 
The word "tenderize" is spelled with the letter combination "en" after the syllable "ten". The IPA phonetic transcription of this word is /ˈtɛndəraɪz/. The "en" in "tenderize" is pronounced as a schwa sound, similar to an unstressed "uh" sound. The "a" in "ra" is pronounced as a long "a" sound, similar to the "ay" sound in "rain". The "i" in "ize" is pronounced as a long "i" sound, similar to the "eye" sound in "eye-catching".
Tenderize is a transitive verb that refers to the process of making meat or other similar food products softer and more tender by using various techniques or methods. When meat is tenderized, it becomes easier to chew, more palatable, and absorbs flavors more effectively during cooking.
There are several ways to tenderize meat. One common method involves physically breaking down the meat's tough fibrous tissues by pounding it with a meat mallet or tenderizing tool. This process helps to break up the connective tissues and muscles, resulting in a more tender texture. Another method is marinating, where the meat is soaked in a mixture containing acidic ingredients like vinegar, lemon juice, or yogurt, which helps to soften the meat's fibers. Enzyme-based tenderizers, such as papain or bromelain derived from papaya or pineapple, respectively, are often used as well. These enzymes work on the proteins in the meat, breaking them down and making the meat more tender.
Tenderizing can be done for various cuts and types of meat, including beef, pork, lamb, and poultry. It is especially useful for tougher cuts with higher amounts of connective tissue, such as flank steak, brisket, or chuck roast. By tenderizing the meat before cooking, it becomes easier to enjoy its flavors and ensures a more pleasant eating experience.
In a broader context, tenderize can also be used figuratively to describe the act of making something softer, milder, or more delicate, whether it is related to physical objects, emotions, or relationships.
The word "tenderize" originated from the word "tender", which came from the Latin word "tener", meaning "soft". The suffix "-ize" was added to form the verb "tenderize", which means to make something tender or soft. The term is typically used in cooking to describe the process of making meat more tender and easier to chew by applying specific techniques or marinades to break down its fibers.
