caramelize
UK[ˈkærəməlaɪz]US[ˈkærəməlaɪz, ˈkɑːrməlaɪz]
v
To heat sugar or a food containing sugar until it turns brown and develops a characteristic flavor.
v
To become caramelized through heating.
Morpheme Breakdown
caramel
ize
caramel
burnt sugar
ize
verb-forming suffix
Etymology
The word's journey begins with the base 'caramel', which entered English from French in the early 18th century. The French term likely evolved from Spanish 'caramelo', a word whose ultimate origin is uncertain but may derive from Medieval Latin 'cannamellis', meaning "sugar cane". The suffix '-ize', of Greek origin via Latin, is a prolific verb-forming element in English meaning "to make or become". Therefore, the literal construction of 'caramelize' is "to make into caramel". The modern culinary sense logically extends from this, describing the process of heating sugar until it melts, browns, and takes on the flavor and appearance of caramel.
Analysis
Structure: caramel (burnt sugar) + ize (verb-forming suffix)
caramel: From French 'caramel', ultimately from Medieval Latin 'cannamellis' (sugar cane). Acts as the base noun.
ize: A verb-forming suffix of Greek origin (via Latin -izare), indicating "to make, to become, to treat with".
Examples
Slowly caramelize the onions to bring out their natural sweetness.
The sugar will begin to caramelize at around 170°C.
The chef's signature dessert features a caramelized banana topping.