cloud ear: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowSpecialist/Culinary
Quick answer
What does “cloud ear” mean?
A type of edible, gelatinous mushroom (Auricularia auricula-judae) characterized by its ear-like shape and dark, translucent appearance.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of edible, gelatinous mushroom (Auricularia auricula-judae) characterized by its ear-like shape and dark, translucent appearance.
A culinary ingredient, particularly in East Asian cuisine, valued for its chewy texture and ability to absorb flavors. It is often dried for storage and rehydrated before use. The name is sometimes extended to other similar fungi in the genus Auricularia.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference; it is a specialized culinary term used similarly. The alternative names 'wood ear' or 'black fungus' are equally common in both varieties.
Connotations
Primarily culinary, with no additional cultural or metaphorical connotations in either variety.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both, confined to contexts discussing Asian cuisine, foraging, or mycology.
Grammar
How to Use “cloud ear” in a Sentence
[verb: soak/slice/add] + cloud earcloud ear + [verb: adds/absorbs/softens]cloud ear + [preposition: in/to] + [dish]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the food import/export sector, restaurant supply, or specialty food retail.
Academic
Used in mycology (fungus taxonomy), ethnobotany, or culinary arts research.
Everyday
Used in cooking instructions, recipes, or discussions about Asian cuisine.
Technical
Used in mycology for species identification (Auricularia auricula-judae) or in food science for its polysaccharide content.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cloud ear”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cloud ear”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cloud ear”
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'to cloud ear').
- Confusing it with 'cloud' the meteorological phenomenon in non-culinary contexts.
- Misidentifying it as a type of seaweed or plant.
- Incorrect pluralization as 'cloud ears' is acceptable but less common than treating it as a mass noun.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'cloud ear' and 'wood ear' are common names for the same edible fungus, Auricularia auricula-judae, though regional preferences for the name may vary.
Rinse the dried cloud ear, then soak it in warm water for 15-30 minutes until it becomes soft and gelatinous. Trim away any tough stems before slicing and adding to your dish.
Cloud ear has a very mild, almost neutral flavour. Its primary culinary value is its unique, slightly crunchy yet gelatinous texture and its ability to absorb the flavours of the sauces and broths it's cooked in.
In traditional Chinese medicine, it is believed to support circulation. Nutritionally, it is low in calories and a source of dietary fibre and certain minerals. However, one should consult scientific and medical sources for verified health information.
A type of edible, gelatinous mushroom (Auricularia auricula-judae) characterized by its ear-like shape and dark, translucent appearance.
Cloud ear is usually specialist/culinary in register.
Cloud ear: in British English it is pronounced /ˈklaʊd ˌɪə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈklaʊd ˌɪr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a dark, wispy CLOUD shaped like an EAR, floating down into your soup.
Conceptual Metaphor
SHAPE IS NAME (The fungus's visual resemblance to a human ear and its cloud-like, amorphous texture define its name).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary context for using the term 'cloud ear'?