The phrase "turn under" is commonly used in sewing to describe folding a fabric under and stitching it in place. The spelling of this phrase can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription as "tʌrn ˈʌndər". The first syllable "tʌrn" is pronounced with the same vowel sound as "sun", while the second syllable "ˈʌndər" has a schwa sound in the middle and an "r" sound at the end. By breaking down the pronunciation of this phrase using IPA, it can be easier for non-native speakers to understand and pronounce correctly.
Turn under refers to a specific action or technique employed in various contexts, particularly in sewing, gardening, and cooking. In sewing, the term describes the process of folding and tucking a raw edge of fabric inward, creating a neat and finished appearance while preventing fraying or unraveling. Sewers often practice turning under when hemming garments or sealing seams. This technique involves folding the fabric edge slightly past the desired finished length and then folding it inward again before stitching it in place.
In the realm of gardening, turning under refers to a method used to prepare and improve soil quality. It involves the act of burying organic matter or plant residues, such as green manure or cover crops, in order to enrich the soil with nutrients and enhance its structure. By digging these materials into the earth, turning under helps promote microbial activity necessary for decomposition and nutrient cycling, ultimately resulting in healthier and more fertile soil.
In cooking, turning under involves flipping or folding food items during the cooking process. For instance, when preparing omelettes or pancakes, turning under entails flipping the partially cooked side over to cook the other side evenly. It is often accomplished with the help of a spatula or by swiftly and skillfully flipping the food in the air. Additionally, turning under can also refer to the act of folding the edges of a pastry or dough to create a sealed and tidy look, as in the case of turnovers or empanadas.
The word "turn under" does not have a specific etymology as it is a phrase formed by combining the words "turn" and "under". However, the individual words have their own origins:
1. Turn: The word "turn" comes from the Old English word "turnian", which means "to rotate" or "to revolve". It is related to the Middle Low German word "dornen", meaning "to turn" or "to twist".
2. Under: "Under" is derived from the Old English word "under", which has the same spelling and meaning. It can be traced back further to the Proto-Germanic word "*undar", meaning "below" or "beneath".
When combined, the phrase "turn under" refers to the action of folding or tucking something beneath or below something else.