Ingrossati

Ingrossati is the plural form of the Italian participle ingrossato and is used as an adjective or, less commonly, as a noun in reference to things that have increased in bulk, size, or mass. The verb ingrossare, from which the term derives, means to enlarge, bulk up, or thicken, with the prefix in- intensifying the sense.

In agriculture and animal husbandry, ingrossare refers to the practice of fattening or increasing the weight of livestock over a period of targeted feeding. Animals described as ingrossati have achieved a higher body mass and are typically prepared for sale or market.

In medicine and anatomy, ingrossare or ingrossato can describe tissues, organs, or limbs that have become enlarged or swollen. For example, glands or lymph nodes that increase in size may be described as ingrossati.

In cooking and food preparation, ingrossare is less common but can be used to indicate the thickening or adding body to a sauce or broth, though addensare or ispessire are more typical terms in standard culinary language.

Figuratively, the verb can denote inflation or magnification of figures, prices, or significance, as in “ingrossare i dati” or “ingrossare i prezzi,” meaning to swell or exaggerate the numbers or impact.

Noun usage is rare; usually the participle functions as an adjective. The related noun ingrossamento refers to the act or process of thickening or enlargement. Etymology traces to Latin grossus with the prefix in-, forming ingrossare.