consomme

Where does the word "consomme" come from? It comes from Latin consumare, passing through French before entering English (1815).

Consomme’s story begins in Latin: consumare meant “to consume completely.” To consume, to use up completely, from com- (thoroughly) and sumere (to take). By 1700s, the word had taken hold in French as consomme. Settled in French for a clear broth reduced and concentrated by slow cooking. It reached English by 1815 as consomme. French 'consumed', since the stock is boiled down; clarified with egg white. Today, consomme means a clear soup made from richly flavored, reduced stock.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient consumare "to consume completely", to consume, to use up completely, from com- (thoroughly) and sumere (to take).
2. Stage 2 · French · 1700s consomme "a clear, concentrated broth", settled in French for a clear broth reduced and concentrated by slow cooking.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1815 consomme "a clear soup made from richly flavored stock", French 'consumed', since the stock is boiled down; clarified with egg white.