yolk

[ yohk, yohlk ]

noun

1. the yellow and principal substance of an egg, as distinguished from the white.
2. Embryology. the part of the contents of the egg of an animal that enters directly into the formation of the embryo, together with any material that nourishes the embryo during its formation.
3. the essential part; the inner core.
4. a natural grease exuded from the skin of sheep.

yolk

/ jəʊk /

noun

1. the substance in an animal ovum consisting of protein and fat that nourishes the developing embryo vitelline
2. a greasy substance secreted by the skin of a sheep and present in the fleece

yolk

/ yōk /

1. The yellow internal part of the egg of a bird or reptile. The yolk is surrounded by the albumen and supplies food to the developing young.

Derived Forms

• ˈyolky, adjective
• ˈyolkless, adjective

Other Words From

• yolked adjective
• yolkless adjective
• yolky adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of yolk¹

before 1000; Middle English yolke, yelke, Old English geoloca, derivative of geolu yellow

Word History and Origins

Origin of yolk¹

Old English geoloca, from geolu yellow

Example Sentences

Behind the bar of The Sportsman Inn, Mr Fletcher has flavours on offer from caviar to salted egg yolk.

From BBC

When Daniel Halksworth first began painting food, he never expected he would end up making a living from yolks.

From BBC

Preparing the sauce: Rather than tempering the egg yolk with warm broth, I whisk it into the cream.

From Salon

When I was young, I wouldn’t eat egg yolks.

From Los Angeles Times

In the meantime, separate the egg whites from the yolks, placing the former in a medium bowl with salt and the latter in a larger bowl with sugar.

From Salon