paste

UK: peɪst | US: peɪst

Definition

  1. n. a soft, moist mixture of ingredients, often adhesive or edible

  2. vt. to attach or apply with paste

  3. n. a doughy material (e.g., toothpaste)

Structure
past <dough, from Latin *pasta*>
Etymology

Derived from Latin pasta ("dough, pastry"), borrowed into Old French as paste, retaining its core meaning of a malleable mixture. The silent -e in English reflects its French influence. The word’s evolution parallels culinary and adhesive uses, linking dough-like consistency to modern applications (e.g., glue, toothpaste).

Examples

  1. She used flour and water to make a simple paste.

  2. Paste the photo onto the scrapbook page carefully.

  3. This toothpaste contains mint flavoring.

  4. The chef prepared a spicy paste for the curry.

  5. Ancient Egyptians invented an early form of paper paste.