glace: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal, specialized (culinary/chef terminology).
Quick answer
What does “glace” mean?
A French word for ice cream, or a smooth, glossy icing/syrup on food.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A French word for ice cream, or a smooth, glossy icing/syrup on food.
In English, it is used as a culinary term for: 1) a type of ice cream, 2) a fruit preserved in syrup, 3) a glossy coating or icing on cakes or pastries, 4) to coat or chill with ice or a glossy syrup. More generally, it can refer to something iced or glossy.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical in both varieties as a high-register culinary term. Slight preference in British English for the term 'glace cherry'.
Connotations
Connotes sophistication, French cuisine, and professional cooking in both varieties.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general language. Used almost exclusively in culinary or food-writing contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “glace” in a Sentence
[to glace + noun (e.g., cherries, ham)][noun + glace (e.g., cherry glace)][glace + noun (e.g., glace icing)]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “glace” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The chef will glace the carrots with a honey reduction.
- These cherries have been glacéed for the cake.
American English
- Glace the ham with a maple syrup mixture for the last 15 minutes.
- The fruits are glacéed in a heavy sugar syrup.
adverb
British English
- The fruit was preserved glace.
American English
- The ham was finished glace.
adjective
British English
- She decorated the cake with glace cherries and angelica.
- The glace icing should set to a hard, shiny finish.
American English
- The dessert featured glace apricots and pecans.
- He prepared a glace de viande (meat glaze) for the sauce.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually unused, except in the food industry (suppliers, menus).
Academic
Rare; may appear in historical or cultural studies of food.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Most speakers would use 'glaze', 'candied', or 'icing'.
Technical
Common in professional culinary arts, patisserie, and confectionery.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “glace”
- Pronouncing it as /ɡleɪs/ (like 'grace' without 'r').
- Using it in general conversation where 'glaze' or 'icing' would be appropriate.
- Spelling as 'glaze' when the French borrowing is intended.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a specialized culinary term borrowed from French. In everyday English, people use words like 'glaze', 'icing', or 'candied'.
In British English, it's often /ˈɡlæseɪ/. In American English, it's closer to the French /ɡlɑːˈseɪ/. Both retain a French-like pronunciation.
'Glace' specifically implies a sweet, often sugary, glossy coating (on fruits, cakes). 'Glaze' is broader and can be sweet or savoury (e.g., glazed ham, glazed doughnut, glazed pottery). 'Glace' is the more precise, French-derived term.
Yes, in French it does, and this meaning is sometimes seen on English menus (e.g., 'glace vanille') to lend a sophisticated, authentic French feel. However, in general English conversation, 'ice cream' is always used.
A French word for ice cream, or a smooth, glossy icing/syrup on food.
Glace is usually formal, specialized (culinary/chef terminology). in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None in common use.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'GLACE' as 'GLAssy ICE' cream or coating.
Conceptual Metaphor
SWEETNESS IS A LUXURY, REFINEMENT IS A GLOSSY SURFACE.
Practice
Quiz
In a culinary context, what does the verb 'to glace' primarily mean?